Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy tofu cubes coated in a sweet-savory glaze with fresh ginger and toasted sesame, served with a vibrant scallion garnish. This japanese-inspired asian ready in about 35 minutes pairs Firm tofu, Sesame oil, Fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp of the glaze mixture in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Pour remaining glaze over tofu, cook for 1 more minute while stirring to coat. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger and Sesame 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-Seared Tofu with Ginger and Sesame?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger and Sesame?

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-Seared Tofu with Ginger and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Tofu with Ginger and Sesame?

Japanese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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