Soy-Garlic Glazed Tofu Bites with Sesame and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried tofu cubes coated in a sticky soy-garlic glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a satisfying vegetarian snack. This korean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz pressed extra-firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 1/4 cup cornstarch until fully coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat; add the tofu cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp rice vinegar.
  4. Step 4: Pour the soy-garlic sauce over the tofu in the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sliced green onions over the tofu bites before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Garlic Glazed Tofu Bites with Sesame and Scallions 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 Soy-Garlic Glazed Tofu Bites with 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Garlic Glazed Tofu Bites with 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 Glazed Tofu Bites with 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 Glazed Tofu Bites with 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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