Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame Ginger Sauce
Golden pan-fried tofu cubes glazed with a vibrant sesame and ginger sauce, perfect for a quick Asian-inspired vegan dish. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs extra firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable 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 extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 sliced green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 14 oz block of extra firm tofu and press between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Toss tofu cubes gently with 3 tbsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce over the crispy tofu in the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the tofu.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Sauce?
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 Sauce?
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 Sauce 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 Sauce 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.
