Soy-Glazed Sesame Tofu with Bok Choy
Crispy tofu glazed in a savory-sweet soy sauce, served with tender bok choy. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 bunches bok choy
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Step 4: Add bok choy to the skillet with 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 4 minutes until tender.
- Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour sauce over, and toss until tofu is evenly glazed and sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Sesame Tofu with Bok Choy 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-Glazed Sesame Tofu with Bok Choy?
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 Soy-Glazed Sesame Tofu with Bok Choy?
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-Glazed Sesame Tofu with Bok Choy 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 Soy-Glazed Sesame Tofu with Bok Choy vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
