Sesame Garlic Tofu. I am definitely not a vegetarian but I do enjoy vegetarian dishes in an effort to eat a balanced diet. I like to think that I’m an adventurous eater but I’ve always had a problem with tofu. Perhaps it’s just that, in the dishes I’ve tried, it has always tasted so bland. In the last few years supermarkets in France have started to stock more vegan and vegetarian products so I’ve been determined to give them a try.
I love Asian flavours and one of my favourite dishes is sesame garlic chicken. Chunks of chicken are fried in a batter and then tossed in a sweet and sticky sesame and garlic sauce. It’s delicious but very high in fat and calories. What if there was a way to capture that flavour in a Sesame Garlic Tofu using less sugar, fat and flour? It turns out that there is.
What is tofu?
Tofu is soy bean curds which are then pressed to form different types of tofu, namely, silken or firm. If you buy the silken type it is great for making desserts as it has a creamy texture which is perfect for a vegan cheesecake. Unfortunately it is not great for frying as it has a tendency to break up. For this dish the best type of tofu is the firm variety. When I made this dish I could only use silken. I treat it like halloumi cheese and aim to remove some of the water content prior to cooking. My idea is to wrap the tofu in thick kitchen towel and use a plate weighted down with a can to draw out the excess water for at leat 30 minutes.
Naturally, the tofu you buy in the west is very bland , but that makes it great for sucking up the flavours you choose like a sponge.
What are the ingredients for Sesame Garlic Tofu?
Ideally you will have firm tofu or silken tofu that has been pressed.
For the marinade I have used honey, garlic, soy sauce and cider vinegar. You could also use white wine or rice wine vinegar in its place.
The marinade also forms the base for the sauce. You will need water and cornflour to thicken.
For the garnish I have used black and white sesame seeds.
How to make Sesame Garlic Tofu
Start by carefully cutting the tofu into biI should point out that I used silken Tofu for my Sesame Garlic Tofu but it does break easily so if you can buy firm tofu it would be easier. Since making this dish I have read a variety of tips from pressing the tofu, wrapped in kitchen roll, to remove excess water to freezing it first, which changes the texture too.te sized chunks and placed in a dish. Make a marinade of dark soy sauce, crushed garlic, cider vinegar and runny honey and pour over the tofu. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least half an hour.
Drain the marinade into a small saucepan and add water and cornflour. Heat the sauce while stirring until it thickens and then turn the heat off. Heat oil in a frying pan and carefully add the tofu in a single layer. Carefully turn the tofu and fry so that it gets crispy then serve immediately with the sauce poured over and sesame seeds scattered over the top.
If you love Chinese food how about trying Szechuan Salt and pepper Prawns? They are healthier than fried as they are baked in the oven but just as crispy.
Other Vegetarian dishes
- Chipotle Black Bean Mushroom Burgers
- Falafel Burgers
- Vegetable and Coconut Curry
- Roast Cauliflower Steak with a Parmesan Polenta Crust
- Afghan Aubergine Curry
- Nut Terrine
- Wild Mushroom Risotto
📋 Recipe
Sesame Garlic Tofu
Ingredients
- 300 g tofu, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoon runny honey
- 80 ml water
- 2 teaspoon cornflour
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Combine the honey, garlic, soy sauce and vinegar and pour over the tofu. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Drain the marinade from the tofu and place in a saucepan with the cornflour and water. Heat while stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Heat the oil in a large non stick pan and add the tofu in a single layer. Fry for a few minutes until the tofu is browned then carefully turn over for a further few minutes.
- Drain the tofu and serve immediately with the sauce poured over and the sesame seeds scattered over.
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
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Amanda
Thanks Carrie. It's a really great sauce.
Amanda
Thanks Jen. It's one of those things that not everyone likes but the sauce is good over chicken too!
Jen
My husband loves tofu, I do not. The marinade is great because I finally found a way I can eat tofu. Everyone is happy.
Carrie Robinson
The sauce for this sounds absolutely amazing! Definitely going to have to make this soon. 🙂
Amanda
Thanks Lisa. I use the sauce on chicken and beef too.
Amanda
Thanks Lisa. Those are the perfect accompaniments!
Amanda
Thanks Angela. I totally agree - it soaks up all the flavours.
Angela
Tofu is really a blank canvas for flavor. This sesame garlic sauce is the perfect thing!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
The sauce for your tofu sounds absolutely perfect. I love those Asian flavors and I think this would be great over steamed rice with broccoli!
Lisa Huff
Ohhh that sauce! Think I want to put it on everything!! Love that you use both black and white sesame seeds.
Amanda
Thanks Ramona. You are so right with honey and garlic!
Amanda
Thanks Brian. I think tofu is one of those foods that needs lots of flavour with it.
Brian Jones
Good food is just good food, I'm no a vegetarian either but regularly eat meat-free meals... This sounds great, I don't use tofu often but definitely looking forward to giving this a try.
Ramona
Like you say, I’m not a vegetarian and I love my meat but a good vegetarian dish like this will win me for sure. You can never go wrong with honey and garlic. Best! For sure it’s a must try with tofu. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe ???
Amanda
Thanks Megala! We are really starting to love vegetarian dishes here.
Megala
Love these delicious tofu & flavorful sauce! It is a delightful treat for vegetarians like me !!
Amanda
My husband agrees with you but it does take on any flavours and he does eat it!
fatdormouse
I'm afraid Tofu comes under the "never tried it; never (probably) will" label - unless someone cooks it for me. Yours looks tempting though, I must admit!
Amanda
Thanks Lisa. Think I'm converted now!
Amanda
Thanks Gabby. I think it definitely takes some getting used to but it's such a blank canvas for flavour and sesame and garlic really seems to work well.
Amanda
Thanks Angela. I agree, it really needs careful handling and lots of flavour and then it's delicious! I've heard of recipes where it's used in desserts so I think I know what my next tofu dish will be!
Angela | Allergy Free Angela
Amanda, you make tofu look delicious! 🙂 I think the key to good tasting tofu is how you prepare it and the flavors that you add.
thetoleranttable
That looks divine! I love tofu but I know it's not a flavour everyone is drawn to. The combination of sesame and garlic would be so delicious so I look forward to trying it out ?
Lisa | Tiny Kitchen Capers
Goodness! So much flavor! Looks delicious!
Amanda
Thanks Mimi. It really does need lots of flavour!
chef mimi
YUM! That looks really good!