There's a certain allure to the glossy, flavorful sauces from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but what if you could create a version at home that's even more vibrant, fresh, and tailored to your taste? This Sweet & Spicy Sesame Tofu recipe is your answer. It delivers that perfect balance of sticky-sweet, savory, and gently spicy notes, clinging to crispy cubes of tofu without any greasiness. The best part? You control the ingredients, making it a healthier, more satisfying alternative that comes together in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive.
The journey to crispy, non-soggy tofu begins with proper pressing. Using extra-firm tofu, you'll press out the excess water—a crucial step that allows the tofu to absorb the marinade and achieve a golden, crispy exterior when baked or pan-fried. Coating the tofu cubes in a light dusting of cornstarch is the second secret weapon; it creates a delicate, crackly crust that perfectly soaks up the rich sauce. As the tofu bakes to a perfect golden brown, your kitchen will start to smell like a professional wok station.
While the tofu crisps up, you'll whip up the incredibly simple yet transformative sauce right on your stovetop. The foundation is a harmonious blend of soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tang, maple syrup or honey for sweetness, and a touch of toasted sesame oil for that deep, nutty aroma. The "spicy" element comes from a spoonful of sambal oelek or sriracha, which you can adjust to your preferred heat level. A slurry of cornstarch and water is then whisked in, transforming the thin liquid into a glossy, restaurant-quality glaze right before your eyes.
The final act is a moment of pure culinary theater. Once your tofu is perfectly crispy, you'll toss it directly in the simmering, thickened sauce until every single cube is generously coated. The sound of the sizzle as they meet is deeply satisfying. For the ultimate finish, a generous sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds a final layer of texture, color, and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Recipe: Better Than Takeout Sweet & Spicy Sesame Tofu
* Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus pressing)
* Cook Time: 25 minutes
* Yields: 3-4 servings
Ingredients:
* 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
* 3 tbsp cornstarch, divided
* 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
* ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari)
* 3 tbsp maple syrup
* 2 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 tbsp sambal oelek or sriracha
* 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
* Sesame seeds & sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Crisp the Tofu: Toss pressed tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch. Pan-fry in oil over medium-high heat until golden on all sides, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, sambal oelek, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water. Stir into the sauce and simmer until thick and glossy.
4. Combine: Add crispy tofu to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.
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