Garlic Sesame Tofu

For an easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this garlic sesame tofu! This dish is quick to prepare, taking only 10 minutes of prep time. It’s completely vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. The combination of garlic and sesame oil creates a rich flavor that elevates the humble tofu into a delightful meal. Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This garlic sesame tofu can be made in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: The rich blend of garlic and sesame gives this dish a delicious depth that’s sure to impress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as part of a larger meal with rice and veggies.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with plant-based protein and low in calories, it’s a nutritious choice for everyone.
• Simple Cooking Process: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe easily.

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Tools and Preparation

To make garlic sesame tofu, you’ll need some essential tools to simplify the process. Having the right equipment on hand ensures everything runs smoothly while cooking.

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 roasting the tofu, ensuring it gets crispy all around.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
• Large bowl: Ideal for tossing the tofu with sauces and coatings without spilling.
• Small sauté pan: Perfect for cooking the sauce quickly while maintaining flavor.

Ingredients

For an easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this garlic sesame tofu! It’s so easy to make, requires only 10 minutes of prep time and is completely vegan and gluten free.

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 teaspoon 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 Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain the excess liquid from the tofu.
2. Dry it off with a towel.
3. Cut into 1-inch cubes and add to a large bowl.
4. Toss with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.

Step 3: Coat the Tofu

1. Toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until all pieces are evenly coated.
2. Add breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.

Step 4: Bake the Tofu

Place the coated tofu on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

During the final 10 minutes of baking:
1. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté with 1 tablespoon of oil in a small sauté pan for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.

Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Add into the pan:
– Remaining soy sauce,
– Honey or maple syrup,
– Rice vinegar,
– Sesame oil,
– And add in 2 tablespoons of water.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together remaining cornstarch with other 2 tablespoons of water; add to the pan. Heat over low heat for about 3-5 minutes until bubbling and thickened.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once the tofu is done baking, toss it with the prepared sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve over rice with steamed broccoli or enjoy as is!

How to Serve Garlic Sesame Tofu

Garlic sesame tofu is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a fancy dinner, this recipe can adapt to your needs.

Over Rice

• Serve the tofu over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair garlic sesame tofu with steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. These vegetables add color and extra nutrients to your dish.

In a Salad

• Toss the baked tofu cubes into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light dressing. This option is refreshing and perfect for warmer weather.

As a Wrap

• Use garlic sesame tofu as the filling for lettuce wraps or rice paper rolls. Add some crunchy veggies for an exciting texture combination.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• Serve the tofu on a bed of quinoa instead of rice for an added protein boost. Quinoa complements the flavors nicely while being gluten-free.

How to Perfect Garlic Sesame Tofu

Getting garlic sesame tofu just right is essential for achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking.

• Choose firm tofu: Using extra-firm tofu helps maintain structure during cooking and gives it a satisfying bite.

• Press before cooking: Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to absorb more flavor from the marinade.

• Coat evenly: Make sure each piece of tofu is coated evenly with cornstarch and breadcrumbs for that crispy exterior.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray: Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking tray to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.

• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences by adding more honey or soy sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Sesame Tofu

Complement your garlic sesame tofu with these delightful side dishes that enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice pairs beautifully with garlic sesame tofu.
2. Sautéed Bok Choy: Quickly sauté bok choy in garlic for an Asian-inspired side that’s both healthy and tasty.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar adds crunch and brightness to your plate.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides umami flavor that complements the dish wonderfully.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes offers a nice contrast to the savory tofu.
6. Sesame Noodles: Serve cold sesame noodles alongside for an easy-to-make side that’s full of flavor.
7. Spicy Kimchi: For those who enjoy heat, kimchi adds spice and tanginess that works well with the garlic sesame flavor.
8. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt make for an easy yet nutritious side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making garlic sesame tofu, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are a few common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Not pressing the tofu: Failing to press the tofu properly can lead to a soggy texture. Make sure to remove excess liquid by pressing it for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Neglecting to coat the tofu with cornstarch can result in a less crispy finish. Toss the cubes in cornstarch before baking for that perfect crunch.
• Using high sodium soy sauce: Opting for regular soy sauce can make your dish too salty. Choose low sodium tamari or soy sauce instead for a balanced flavor.
• Overcooking the garlic: Burning the garlic can ruin its flavor. Sauté it just until it’s lightly browned and fragrant, then add other ingredients quickly.
• Not monitoring baking time: Leaving the tofu in the oven too long can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on it and take it out when golden brown.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Garlic sesame tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent odors from transferring.

Freezing Garlic Sesame Tofu

• • Duration: You can freeze garlic sesame tofu for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Garlic Sesame Tofu

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the tofu for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely; heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, then sauté the tofu until warmed through and slightly crisped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about garlic sesame tofu that might help you out.

How do I make garlic sesame tofu gluten-free?

You can easily make garlic sesame tofu gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use different types of oil?

Yes! While avocado oil is great, you can replace it with sesame oil or olive oil for different flavor profiles.

What dishes pair well with garlic sesame tofu?

This dish goes wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. You can also enjoy it in salads or wraps!

How do I customize garlic sesame tofu?

Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or try different sweeteners such as agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup.

Is garlic sesame tofu suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Garlic sesame tofu stores well and makes for easy meal prep. Just reheat as needed throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

Garlic sesame tofu is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various meals. You can easily customize it based on your preferences by adding veggies or changing up sauces. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!