Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2024)

Published: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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This crispy Sesame Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry, bake, or pan-fry. Gluten-free and oil-free options, crispy and healthy, with a lightly sweetened tangy sauce. This egg-free, Chinese-style vegan recipe uses sesame seeds and crushed cornflakes or panko for the crust.

this RECIPE

This is a tofu recipe that everyone will enjoy! Plus, it can easily be made without oil or gluten without compromising on flavor and texture. This is one of my go-to protein dishes because it's so easy to make, and it always turns out delicious. Pair sesame tofu with my easy dipping sauce for serving.

This sesame tofu recipe was inspired by my crispy Panko Tofu, as well as this Tofu Korean Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
  • 🧄 Substitutions
  • 📖 How to Make Sesame Tofu
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽 Related Recipes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2)
  • Extra firm or super firm tofu
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil (optional)
  • Rice vinegar
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • Garlic powder
  • Sesame seeds
  • Panko or crushed cornflakes

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Substitutions

  • Garlic powder - use one minced clove of fresh garlic instead
  • Ginger - add one tablespoon of grated ginger to the marinade for more flavor
  • Soy sauce - use gluten-free tamari instead for no gluten
  • Panko - substitute with gluten-free panko, crushed cornflakes, or an equal amount of sesame seeds for gluten-free
  • Cornstarch - use arrowroot instead as desired
  • Tofu - use superfirm tofu which is pre-pressed to save time (Nasoya or Wildwood brands)

Try my panko tofu recipe for an allergy-friendly option. It's made without sesame seeds. For more easy and healthy tofu recipes, visit my Tofu Recipes page on this site.

📖 How to Make Sesame Tofu

For the full recipe, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (3)

Step 1. Marinate:Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish. Mix well. Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (4)

Step 2. Set up the tofu coating station with sesame seeds and panko, cornstarch, and aquafaba.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (5)

Step 3. Coat the tofu:Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (6)

Step 4. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (7)

Step 5. Dip the tofu into the panko and sesame seeds. Press gently to coat evenly.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (8)

Step 6. Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (9)

Step 7. Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (10)

Or air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the pieces lightly with cooking oil. Place them in an air fryer basket in a single layer. (You may have to cook them in batches.) Cook the sesame tofu for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the sesame tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
  • For cooking: Either bake, air fry or pan fry the sesame tofu. Spread the tofu in a single layer with enough space between the pieces for hot air to pass through. This way, the tofu will brown evenly.
  • Serve the easy dipping sauce at room temperature. Make it right before serving or ahead of time. It is quick and easy to make. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Sesame Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I pan-fry sesame tofu?

To pan-fry, add oil to a medium skillet. (The oil should reach about halfway up the sides of the tofu.) Heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully transfer the tofu to the pan. Place the pieces about 2 inches apart. (Work in batches as needed). Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.

Can I cook tofu without pressing it?

Pressing tofu removes excess liquid so the pores can more easily absorb the flavorful marinade, for a more flavorful tofu. It also gets the tofu more crispy upon cooking.
Super firm tofu comes pre-pressed. Nasoya and Wildwood brands make super-firm tofu. I suggest purchasing this option if it is available to you. Read my 'How to Cook Tofu' post for more tips for cooking the best tofu.

Can I substitute a warm sauce for the easy dipping sauce to serve with sesame tofu?

Most sauces work with this sesame tofu recipe. Use warmed store-bought teriyaki sauce, or make a quick warm Asian sauce with tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, (toasted sesame oil), water, fresh ginger, and garlic to taste. Heat until reduced, and add cornstarch to thicken.

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👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Leave a review for my Baked Sesame Tofu recipe and share your creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.

I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

📖 Recipe

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (15)

Sesame Tofu (Baked)

Nisha Melvani

This Sesame Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry or bake (oil-free option). Gluten-free, crispy, & healthy, with a delicious sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish or Main

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 4 people

Calories 304 kcal

Ingredients

For the tofu marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Tofu and Breading:

  • 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu pressed and drained
  • ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sesame seeds white, or a mix of black and white
  • 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, or 3 tablespoons more sesame seeds

Optional Easy Dipping Sauce for serving:

  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon sriracha (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1 large clove minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  • Make the marinade: Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish, about 8x8 inches. Mix well to combine.

  • Slice and marinate the tofu into about 8 (½-inch-thick)squares or rectangles (2x2 or 2x3 inches).

    Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

  • For coating: Transfer the cornstarch, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl or rimmed dish. Transfer the aquafaba to a shallow bowl. Transfer the sesame seeds and panko to rimmed dish or shallow bowl.

  • Coat the tofu: Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dip the tofu into the panko and sesame seeds. Press gently to coat evenly.

  • For baking: Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil. Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

  • For air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the pieces lightly with cooking oil. Place them in an air fryer basket in a single layer. (You may have to cook them in batches.) Cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Prepare the easy dipping sauce (optional). Whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients: tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.

  • Serve the tofu with easy dipping sauce.

Notes

    • Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
    • Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Sesame Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.
    • For the sauce, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 3mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Eileen

    Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (20)
    This tofu is so delicious, amazing, and surprisingly easy. It maintains a crunchy outside with a moist seasoned inside. It's quite flavorful as is, I dipped mine in some chili crisp because I didn't feel like making the dipping sauce. I served it with mashed potatoes and salad.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      Love this meal combo! I'm so glad they work out well. Thank you.

      Reply

  2. Terri

    The ingredients for the marinade aren’t clear. Is the marinade the same as the dipping sauce? The instructions for the marinade include the ingredients for the “optional dipping sauce.” How much ginger? How much maple syrup? Looks great, would like to make this. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      HI. I updated the recipe card. It should be clearer now.

      Reply

  3. Lori

    Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (21)
    Tofu was great but the sauce was too tangy and no one could eat it. I would change the sauce to a teriyaki or a sweet chili sauce.

    Reply

    • Nisha Melvani, RDN

      I changed the sauce recipe to an Easy Dipping Sauce. This will pair well with the tofu and be very easy to make. Thank you.

      Reply

Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked) (2024)

FAQs

Why isn't my tofu getting crispy in the oven? ›

Why won't my tofu get crisp? This could likely be a result of not drying out the tofu enough to drain out the extra moisture. It's also possible that your oven temperature is not hot enough. Make sure it's preheated and heat the pan in the oven for extra crispness.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

Baked, Not Fried.

My method for baking tofu produces tofu that's chewy, but it's cooked in the oven, making it much healthier.

Is Sesame Tofu good for you? ›

Dietitian's Choice: Crispy Sesame Tofu

Tofu is a great source of protein and contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs!

What is sesame tofu made of? ›

What You Need for Sesame Tofu. Crispy tofu: Over the years I've practically cracked the code on crispy tofu and all you need is 4 simple ingredients: extra firm tofu, a neutral-tasting oil, low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce), and cornstarch. That's it!

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

How to get a crispy crust on tofu? ›

Spread your Tofu on a Silicone Baking Mat, leaving enough space between each cube. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the Tofu and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Tofu contains a large amount of water when it comes out of the package. In order to bake, fry, or scramble tofu, it's best to press out as much water as possible before cooking.

What type of tofu is best for baking? ›

Tofu: One block of tofu, either firm or extra-firm. I also strongly recommend buying organic tofu, if it's available. Oil: Olive oil, or whatever your preferred cooking oil may be. Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient that helps make tofu (as well as many other foods) extra-crispy in the oven.

Can you coat tofu in flour instead of cornstarch? ›

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Why do Chinese eat so much tofu? ›

This probably coincided with the spread of Buddhism as it is an important source of protein in the vegetarian diet of East Asian Buddhism. Li Shizhen, during the Ming dynasty, described a method of making tofu in the Compendium of Materia Medica.

Is tofu healthier than chicken? ›

And while chicken breast is also slightly lower in fat, tofu comes out on top in this category because it contains all monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, aka the “good” kind; whereas chicken contains a little bit of saturated fat and cholesterol, which tofu is free of.

Can you eat tofu raw? ›

Eat it raw: Tofu is completely safe to eat raw. Whether you press it or marinate it, you can use raw tofu in salads, smoothies, or have it as a protein-packed snack. Marinating: Since tofu has a bland flavor, marinating it is very popular.

What is the healthiest form of tofu? ›

Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content.

How to make fried tofu like Chinese restaurants? ›

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. One piece at a time, dip the tofu into the cornstarch to coat both sides, then into the beaten egg. Immediately transfer to the skillet for pan frying. Cook until both sides turn golden brown.

What goes well with tofu? ›

What to serve with tofu. These easy tofu meals go well with white rice, toasted bread, or noodles.

Why is my crispy tofu not crispy? ›

If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu.

How do you fix soggy tofu? ›

Find something heavy, such as a can of beans or tomatoes or even a heavy sauce pan. Place a second plate on top of the tofu and put your heavy item on top. This will help press even more moisture out of the tofu.

Why is my tofu so mushy after cooking? ›

The tofu is too soft, too water logged (it'll just steam,) to large or cold for the oil, oil not a proper temp. Purchase extra firm tofu, let it sit in a colander or cheese cloth, slice it in wide strips or slightly larger then playing dice size squares, make sure oil is hot enough so that it begins to bro...

How do you bake tofu to dry it out? ›

Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35.

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