Sweet-Savory Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds
Crispy baked tofu glazed in a homemade hoisin-inspired sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, 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
- 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed extra-firm tofu
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu with 1 tbsp neutral oil until evenly coated, then spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Step 2: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Step 3: While tofu bakes, whisk 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl until smooth. After baking, brush the sauce mixture over the tofu, then return to oven for 5 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove from oven, drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet-Savory Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Sweet-Savory Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds?
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 hoisin sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet-Savory Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds?
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 Sweet-Savory Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds 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 Sweet-Savory Hoisin Glazed Tofu with Sesame Seeds 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Perfect vegetarian recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
