Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Sesame Soy Glaze

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

A quick and flavorful pan-seared tofu dish coated in a spicy sesame soy glaze, inspired by the diverse Asian influences in West Seattle. This asian (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 14 oz extra-firm tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add tofu slabs and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp freshly grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the spicy sesame soy glaze.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Spicy Sesame Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 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 extra-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared 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-Seared 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-Seared 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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