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Homemade Honey Sesame Tofu photo

Honey Sesame Tofu

Crispy fried tofu tossed in a glossy honey-sesame sauce for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • ginger grater
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Plate
  • Paper Towels
  • cast iron or non-stick pan
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 pound extra-firm tofu
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour for coating
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or mild olive oil for frying
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated * or 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
  • 1 large garlic clove peeled and minced or pressed
  • 0.5 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 4 scallions (green onions) chopped

Instructions
 

  • Drain the tofu and press or pat dry with paper towels, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
  • Place the flour in a shallow bowl and toss the tofu cubes in the flour to coat all sides; shake off excess.
  • Heat the vegetable or mild olive oil in a cast iron or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Fry the tofu in a single layer, turning as needed, until golden brown on all sides, a few minutes per side; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
  • Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and cornstarch in a liquid measuring cup and whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and bring to a full boil over medium heat, whisking continuously; keep boiling until the sauce becomes translucent and thickens, about a few minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Toss the fried tofu with the sauce to coat, or drizzle the sauce over the tofu when serving.
  • Serve immediately with rice and sprinkle chopped scallions on top.

Notes

  • If fresh ginger is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger.
  • Crushed red pepper heat varies; start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
  • Keep fried tofu and sauce separate if storing leftovers.
  • Reheat tofu in a non-stick pan for best texture.