Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame Soy Glaze
Firm tofu pan-fried until golden and glazed with a spicy, savory sesame soy sauce for a vibrant vegan main. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce 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 1/2-inch slices firm tofu
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press a 14 oz block of firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Lightly dust each slice with 1/4 cup cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until each side is golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sriracha sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp freshly grated ginger.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, gently toss to coat all pieces with the spicy sesame soy glaze.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions over the tofu just before serving for added texture and freshness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame Soy Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Soy 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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sesame Soy 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 Soy 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 Soy 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.
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