Pan-Seared Tofu with Miso-Sesame Glaze
A savory pan-seared tofu dish glazed with a rich miso and toasted sesame sauce, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 37 minutes pairs block extra-firm tofu, white miso paste, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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 white miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Press the 14 oz block of extra-firm tofu between paper towels and a heavy pan for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into eight 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth to create the glaze.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu slices and cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and edges are slightly crispy.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour the miso glaze over the tofu, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the tofu so it thickens and coats each slice.
- Step 5: Remove the tofu from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onion stalks for garnish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Miso-Sesame Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 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-Seared Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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 block extra-firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Miso-Sesame 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-Seared Tofu with Miso-Sesame Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Seared Tofu with Miso-Sesame Glaze vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
