Garlic Sesame Tofu

For an easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this Garlic Sesame Tofu! This dish is packed with flavor and takes just 10 minutes of prep time. Perfect for any occasion, it’s an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring you have a nutritious and satisfying meal ready to go. With its crispy tofu and rich garlic sesame sauce, this recipe stands out as a delicious vegan option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delightful meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic and sesame oil elevates the dish, making it irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Garlic Sesame Tofu, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process. Having the right tools can make all the difference in ease and efficiency while preparing your meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Large bowl
• Small sauté pan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides an even surface for baking the tofu to achieve that perfect golden crispiness.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while baking.
• Large bowl: Allows ample space to toss ingredients without making a mess.
• Small sauté pan: Ideal for quickly cooking the garlic and mixing the sauce without taking up too much stovetop space.

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

• 1 tablespoon low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 1 16 ounce block extra firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 3 tablespoons gluten free bread crumbs (can sub for regular)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon oil (I used avocado oil)
• 1/3 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 4 tablespoons water (divided)

How to Make Garlic Sesame Tofu

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preparing your oven ensures even cooking for the tofu.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain the excess liquid from the tofu.
2. Using a towel, dry off the tofu thoroughly.
3. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and add them to a large bowl.

Step 3: Season the Tofu

1. Toss the cubed tofu with 1 tablespoon of low sodium tamari or soy sauce until evenly coated.
2. Next, sprinkle in the corn starch and toss until all pieces are covered.
3. Finally, add in gluten-free bread crumbs and mix well.

Step 4: Bake the Tofu

Add the seasoned tofu cubes to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While the tofu bakes, prepare your sauce:
1. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. In a small sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients

1. Stir in low sodium tamari or soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and two tablespoons of water into the pan with garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of corn starch with another two tablespoons of water until smooth.
3. Add this mixture to your sauté pan.

Step 7: Cook Sauce Until Thickened

Heat over low heat for approximately 3–5 minutes until the sauce bubbles gently and thickens.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Once your tofu is done baking, toss it with your prepared sauce until well coated. For an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds if desired before serving over rice along with steamed broccoli or enjoying as is!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Tofu

Garlic sesame tofu is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• This classic pairing allows the flavors of the garlic sesame tofu to shine while soaking up the sauce.

In a Salad

• Toss the tofu with fresh greens like spinach or kale and add some sliced cucumbers for crunch. A drizzle of extra sesame oil can elevate the flavors.

With Quinoa

• Serve the tofu over fluffy quinoa for a protein-packed meal. The nutty flavor of quinoa complements the sesame sauce beautifully.

As Tacos

• Use small tortillas and fill them with garlic sesame tofu, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices for a fun twist on taco night.

With Noodles

• Mix the tofu with rice noodles or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired dish. Add some vegetables for added texture and nutrition.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Tofu

To achieve perfectly cooked garlic sesame tofu, follow these handy tips that will elevate your dish.

• Press the Tofu – For best results, press the tofu before cooking. This removes excess moisture and helps it absorb more flavors.

• Use Extra Firm Tofu – Extra firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking, providing a satisfying texture in each bite.

• Coat Evenly – Ensure each piece of tofu is evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – When baking, space out the tofu on the tray. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece for even cooking.

• Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to modify the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your taste preference; this can balance out the savory notes from the soy sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Tofu

Pairing side dishes with garlic sesame tofu can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – A simple yet nutritious side that adds vibrant color and nutrients to your plate.

2. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Quick-cook seasonal veggies like bell peppers and snap peas for added crunch and flavor.

3. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil complements the rich tofu.

4. Brown Rice – A wholesome grain that pairs well with any Asian-inspired dish while adding extra fiber.

5. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting flavors that pair nicely with garlic sesame tofu.

6. Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy sweet potato mash offers a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.

7. Pickled Radishes – Add a tangy kick with pickled radishes; their crunch enhances every bite of your meal.

8. Edamame – Steamed edamame pods are not just tasty but also provide additional protein to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Sesame Tofu, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not pressing the tofu: Skipping this step can lead to soggy tofu. Always drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture for better texture.

• Overcrowding the baking tray: Placing too much tofu on one tray can steam it instead of baking it. Ensure there’s enough space between pieces for even cooking.

• Using old garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Check for freshness before using; if it looks sprouted or dried out, choose fresh cloves instead.

• Ignoring the sauce thickening: Not allowing the sauce to thicken properly can result in a watery dish. Whisk in cornstarch and let it bubble gently until it reaches the desired consistency.

• Skipping garnishes: Toppings like sesame seeds add texture and enhance presentation. Don’t forget to sprinkle some on before serving for added flair.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Sesame Tofu in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Tofu

• For longer storage, freeze cooked tofu in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just note that texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Tofu

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place tofu in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat with a splash of water or oil in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Sesame Tofu:

How do I make Garlic Sesame Tofu crispy?

To achieve crispy Garlic Sesame Tofu, ensure you press it well to remove moisture, coat it evenly with cornstarch, and bake at a high temperature until golden brown.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Sesame Tofu?

Yes, you can customize Garlic Sesame Tofu by using different sauces or sweeteners like agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup based on your preferences.

Is Garlic Sesame Tofu gluten-free?

Yes, when using gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, Garlic Sesame Tofu is completely gluten-free!

Can I use different vegetables with Garlic Sesame Tofu?

Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to your dish for extra nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Sesame Tofu is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights while offering plenty of opportunities for customization. Whether served over rice or paired with steamed vegetables, this dish is sure to impress!