Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame-Ginger Glaze
Crisp pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a vibrant spicy sesame-ginger glaze for a flavorful vegan delight. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 sliced for garnish green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz extra firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until all sides are golden and crisp.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Pour the glaze over the tofu in the skillet and toss gently to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tofu.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame-Ginger Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame-Ginger Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame-Ginger Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame-Ginger Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame-Ginger Glaze vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
