Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

Golden pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a bold, spicy sesame sauce perfect for a vegan main or side dish. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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 cubed firm tofu
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks, sliced thinly green onions

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 14 oz cubed firm tofu that has been pressed to remove excess moisture and cook for 5-6 minutes without stirring to let edges become golden and crisp.
2. Step 2: Flip the tofu cubes carefully and cook an additional 5 minutes until all sides are golden brown.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce over the tofu in the skillet and gently toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tofu.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions on top before serving.