Crispy Sesame Tofu

This Crispy Sesame Tofu will make you a tofu believer if you weren’t one already. I know tofu seems intimidating (and/or gross if we are being honest) to a lot of people, but I think it tastes like whatever you put on it, making it the perfect blank slate for so many meals.

Why I Love this Recipe

• Delicious and versatile – This tofu can be the main course all by itself, or toss it in a salad or any other dish for some added flavor! It goes especially well with my Vegan Fried Rice.

• Quick & easy – If you can use a knife, you can make this recipe. Choose either to pan fry or air fry, and it is ready in just 30 minutes!

• Protein packed – One serving is 10 grams of protein making this an easy way to add protein to your meals.

Ingredients

• Extra firm tofu – Extra firm is important here for the crispy texture, but if you are just looking for the flavor, you could use firm. I would not suggest a softer variety.

• Toasted Sesame Oil – Not only does toasted sesame oil have amazing flavor, but it is a high-heat oil. Meaning you can use it to pan-fry at high temps without it burning off and smoking too quickly. Please make sure you have chosen a high-heat oil!

• Soy sauce – Any variety of soy sauce or tamari works well with this recipe.

How to Make Crispy Sesame Tofu

Prepare the Tofu

Begin by pressing your tofu. If you have a tofu press, this is quite easy! If you are like me and cannot imagine storing one more gadget in your kitchen cabinets, you can use two plates and a heavy object instead. Also very easy.

Just line both plates with a paper towel, place the tofu between them, and place the heavy object on top. I used my bookend as shown below.

Let the tofu sit for 5-10 minutes to remove the excess water.

Season the Tofu

After the tofu has been pressed, cut it to the desired size. I chop it into about 1.5-inch cubes, but you could choose any shape or size you’d like, just be aware that it may change the cooking time slightly.

Next, place the chopped tofu into a low bowl and pour the sesame oil and soy sauce overtop, tossing gently until all the liquid is absorbed and each piece of tofu is coated fully.

You can cook this right away or let marinate in a covered bowl in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Air Fryer Method

Place the tofu into the air fryer basket in an even layer. I use silicone liners to reduce waste, but you can use aluminum foil or place the tofu directly into the basket.

Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Stovetop Method

Place the tofu in an even layer on a flat skillet or griddle pan.

Pan-fry the pieces for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

How to Store Crispy Sesame Tofu

• Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Reheat: Toss into the air fryer again at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes or zap for 30 seconds in the microwave.

More Tips for Making Crispy Sesame Tofu

• Not Vegan? Use the sesame oil and soy sauce combination as a marinade for chicken.

• Gluten Free? Choose a certified gluten-free tofu variety and substitute soy sauce for tamari.

Looking for more delicious vegan dinner ideas? Try my Sweet Potato Chili and vegan Dumpling Soup.