Garlic Sesame Tofu

For an easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this Garlic Sesame Tofu! It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and suitable for various occasions. This dish highlights the delicious combination of tofu and garlic while being completely vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, you’ll find that garlic sesame tofu is not only satisfying but also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of preparation, you can get this dish on the table in no time.
• Flavorful & Savory: The rich taste of garlic combined with sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the tofu.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, toss in some veggies, or enjoy it on its own—this recipe fits any meal occasion.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from tofu and low in calories, this dish is a healthy choice for any diet.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: A perfect option for those following plant-based or gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Sesame Tofu efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides a stable surface for roasting tofu evenly without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after baking.
• Large bowl: Ideal for tossing tofu with sauces and coatings to ensure even coverage.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when making the sauce.

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Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Sesame Tofu recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Tofu

• 1 tablespoon low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 1 16 ounce block extra firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 3 tablespoons gluten free breadcrumbs (can sub for regular)

For the Sauce

• 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) so it’s ready for the tofu once prepared.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain excess liquid from the tofu and dry it off with a towel.
2. Cut into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Toss with tamari or soy sauce.

Step 3: Coat Tofu Cubes

1. Sprinkle cornstarch over the cubed tofu. Toss again until all pieces are evenly coated.
2. Add breadcrumbs and toss until thoroughly coated.

Step 4: Bake the Tofu

1. Spread the coated tofu cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the tofu bakes, mince the garlic.
2. In a small sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients

1. Add soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water to the sauté pan.
2. Whisk together cornstarch with remaining water in a bowl; add it to the pan.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

Cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes until sauce bubbles and thickens slightly.

Step 8: Combine Tofu and Sauce

Once baked, toss the tofu with prepared sauce in a serving bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your Garlic Sesame Tofu over rice or steamed broccoli for a delightful meal!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Tofu

Garlic sesame tofu is a versatile dish that pairs well with different sides and flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the garlic sesame tofu over a bed of steamed rice for a comforting and filling dish that soaks up the delicious sauce.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious meal.

In a Buddha Bowl

• Create a vibrant Buddha bowl by adding quinoa, leafy greens, and your favorite toppings, making it both healthy and satisfying.

Wrapped in Lettuce Leaves

• For a fun twist, serve the tofu in crisp lettuce leaves as wraps, adding fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra sauce for flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Tofu

To ensure your garlic sesame tofu turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Press the Tofu – Remove excess moisture by pressing the tofu before cooking. This helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-minced options.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – Coating the tofu in cornstarch helps it crisp up nicely when baked, creating a delightful crunch.
• Adjust Sweetness – Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the sauce for desired sweetness.
• Experiment with Veggies – Add seasonal vegetables to customize the dish, allowing for various textures and flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Tofu

Garlic sesame tofu can be complemented with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
2. Coconut Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with coconut milk for added creaminess and flavor that pairs beautifully with the tofu.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy add sweetness and texture that balances the savory tofu.
4. Asian Slaw – A crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and complements the main dish.
5. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup provides warmth and comfort alongside your garlic sesame tofu.
6. Sautéed Bok Choy – Lightly sautéed bok choy drizzled with soy sauce brings an earthy taste while keeping things simple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Sesame Tofu, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

• Boldly skip the pressing! Not pressing the tofu can lead to a watery dish. Always press your tofu before cooking to achieve the perfect texture.
• Boldly ignore the marinating! Skipping marinating can result in bland flavor. Allow the tofu to soak in the soy sauce for at least 10 minutes for better taste.
• Boldly underestimating cornstarch! Using too little cornstarch may result in soggy tofu. Make sure to coat every piece thoroughly for that crispy exterior.
• Boldly overlook the sauce timing! Making the sauce too early can lead to it thickening before you need it. Prepare it during the last minutes of baking for optimal consistency.
• Boldly forget garnishes! Not garnishing with sesame seeds or green onions can miss a chance for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal. Always finish with a sprinkle before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Sesame Tofu in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Tofu

• Place cooled tofu in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just be aware that texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Tofu

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Sesame Tofu that might help you out.

Can I use different sauces for Garlic Sesame Tofu?

Yes! You can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for unique flavors.

How do I make Garlic Sesame Tofu spicier?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes or sriracha into your sauce mix. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

What can I serve with Garlic Sesame Tofu?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas.

How do I store leftover Garlic Sesame Tofu?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Sesame Tofu is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sauce ingredients based on your preference. Give this delicious dish a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors!