Sticky Sesame Tofu Bites
Crispy tofu bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce, perfect as an appetizer, side, or main dish for plant-based meals.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and fry tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, tomato paste (or ketchup), garlic, and ginger.
- In the same pan, pour the sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
- Add crispy tofu back into the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake or air-fry tofu instead of pan-frying.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tofu bites, sticky sesame tofu, vegan tofu, Asian tofu, plant-based protein