Soy-Garlic Fried Tofu with Toasted Sesame and Scallions

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried tofu cubes in a soy-garlic glaze topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for an easy plant-based Asian fusion dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (1 block) extra firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes gently in 1/4 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return tofu to skillet and toss to coat evenly with the soy-garlic sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped scallions over the tofu before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Garlic Fried Tofu with Toasted Sesame and Scallions 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 Soy-Garlic Fried Tofu with Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

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 (1 block) extra firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Garlic Fried Tofu with Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

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 Soy-Garlic Fried Tofu with Toasted Sesame and Scallions 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 Soy-Garlic Fried Tofu with Toasted Sesame and Scallions 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.

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