Main Dishesbonappetit4.4
Sesame Tofu
This recipe for sesame tofu gets a boost from an unexpected by logical ingredient: tahini. The addition brings a richness to the nutty-sweet sauce.
👥 4 Servings🔥 Cook: 25 min👤 Hetty Lui McKinnon📖 bonappetit
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- ●baking sheet
- ●bowl
- ●whisk
- ●skillet
- ●pan
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Drain one 14-oz. block extra-firm tofu and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Cut tofu in half horizontally through the equator (like a hamburger bun), then cut into 1" cubes and pat dry again. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or large plate and set aside.
block extra-firm tofu1 (14-oz.)
2
Cut 1 large head of broccoli (about 1 lb.) into small 1" florets. If your broccoli has a long stem, peel tough outer skin to remove the lighter fibrous layer, then slice stem ¼" thick. Finely chop 1 scallion and set aside for serving.
large head of broccoli (about 1 lb.)1
3
To make the sauce, scrape skin from one 1" piece ginger with a spoon, then grate on a Microplane into a small bowl. Smash and peel 1 garlic clove and grate into bowl with ginger. Add ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. light or dark brown sugar or pure maple syrup, 2 Tbsp. tahini, 2 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, 1½ tsp. cornstarch, a pinch of kosher salt, and 3 Tbsp. water and whisk to combine. Set sauce aside.
piece ginger1 (1"). light or dark brown sugar or pure maple syrup2 Tbsp. tahini2 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil1 Tbsp
4
Sprinkle 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt over tofu and toss to coat. Scatter remaining ¼ cup cornstarch over tofu a tablespoonful at a time, tossing after each addition and gently pressing into the tofu pieces, until well coated on all sides.
5
Warm 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil or vegetable oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, season with ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt and ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, and cook, tossing occasionally, until just tender, about ⏱️ 5 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a plate. Wipe out skillet.
6
Heat remaining ¼ cup grapeseed or vegetable oil in same skillet over medium-high. When oil is hot (it will start to shimmer), reduce heat to medium and add tofu in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook, turning every 3–⏱️ 4 minutes, until golden brown all over, 10–⏱️ 12 minutes total. Transfer crispy tofu to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and let drain.
7
Pour out any remaining oil in pan and wipe out. Return pan to medium heat. Whisk reserved sauce if it has separated, then pour into pan and cook until thickened and bubbling, about ⏱️ 20 seconds. Immediately remove pan from heat and add broccoli and tofu; toss to coat.
8
Garnish tofu and broccoli with 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds and reserved scallions. Serve with steamed white rice or brown rice. Editor’s note: This sesame tofu recipe was first printed online in Februrary 2021. Head this way for more of our best tofu recipes →
. toasted sesame seeds1 Tbsp
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