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Garlic Sesame Tofu Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

A flavorful and crispy Garlic Sesame Tofu recipe that features perfectly baked tofu cubes coated in a savory-sweet garlic sesame sauce. This gluten-free, plant-based dish is easy to prepare and makes a delicious, healthy meal served over rice or with vegetables.

Ingredients

Tofu and Coating

  • 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 substitute regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (avocado oil recommended)

Sauce

  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tofu.
  2. Dry the tofu: Drain excess liquid from the block of tofu, then pat it dry thoroughly using a clean towel to help it crisp up during baking.
  3. Cut tofu: Cut the dried tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Toss with soy sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of low sodium tamari or soy sauce to the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Coat with cornstarch and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 3 tablespoons of gluten free breadcrumbs over the tofu. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated to create a crisp crust when baked.
  6. Bake the tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Prepare the sauce: During the last 10 minutes of baking, start making the sauce.
  8. Mince and sauté garlic: Finely mince the 5 cloves of garlic. In a small sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and cook the garlic for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
  9. Add sauce ingredients: Pour in 1/3 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce, 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil. Stir to combine.
  10. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon corn starch and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the pan.
  11. Simmer the sauce: Cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce bubbles and thickens into a glossy coating.
  12. Toss tofu with sauce and serve: Once the tofu is baked, toss it in the garlic sesame sauce until each piece is well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve over rice with steamed broccoli or enjoy as is.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy texture, press tofu for 15-30 minutes before drying to remove additional moisture.
  • Gluten free breadcrumbs can be replaced with panko or regular breadcrumbs if not gluten sensitive.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
  • Use avocado or another high smoke point oil for sautéing garlic to prevent burning.
  • This tofu works well as a protein addition to salads, bowls, or wraps.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/garlic-sesame-tofu-recipe/