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Honey Sesame Tofu

4.50 from 8 votes
Modified: · Published: by · 2 Comments

This easy honey sesame tofu dish has crispy, pan-fried tofu cubes that are served with a sweet, sour and spicy sauce. You coat the tofu cubes with all-purpose flour on all sides so they are encased in a delicious golden shell after frying. The sauce has intense flavor from honey, ginger, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce and red pepper flakes.

Fried honey sesame tofu in a small bowl.

No need to press the tofu:

Many sesame tofu recipes call for pressing the block of tofu to squeeze out moisture, but you don't need to do that here. That's because rather than frying the tofu cubes directly, you roll them in all-purpose flour first. That traps the moisture inside the tofu so it doesn't interfere with the frying. And you still get a crispy outside because the flour shell itself gets nicely crispy during frying.

How to make it:

See full ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below!

Tofu cubes with and without flour coating.
  1. Drain the tofu, then cut into cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Roll the cubes in flour on all sides.
Fried tofu cubes on a paper towel-lined plate.
  1. Fry the tofu cubes in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Set the fried tofu cubes on paper towels to dry.
Honey sesame sauce being whisked in a cup.
  1. Whisk together all sauce ingredients.
Honey sesame sauce in a saucepan.
  1. Cook the sauce.

Full Recipe

Fried honey sesame tofu in a small bowl.
Author: Nicole B.

Honey Sesame Tofu

4.50 from 8 votes
This honey sesame tofu tastes delicious and is quick and easy to make. The tofu is pan fried and served with a sweet, sour and spicy sauce.
Print Version (does not include images) Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Equipment:

  • measuring cups and spoons
  • ginger grater
  • garlic press (optional)
  • knife and cutting board
  • plate
  • paper towels
  • cast iron or non-stick pan
  • kitchen tongs
  • liquid measuring cup
  • whisk

Ingredients:
  

For the tofu:
  • ½ pound extra-firm tofu
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • about 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or mild olive oil for frying
For the sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root*
  • 1 large garlic clove, peeled and minced or pressed through a garlic press
  • ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more if you like it spicier**
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
To serve:
  • 4 scallions (green onions), chopped

Method:
 

For the tofu:
  1. Drain the block of tofu, then cut into ¾-inch cubes. Dry the cubes with a paper towel. Roll the tofu cubes in the flour, making sure to coat them on all sides.
  2. Heat the oil in a cast iron or non-stick pan until shimmering. Fry the tofu cubes in a single layer until golden brown on all sides (a few minutes on each side). Set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
For the sauce:
  1. Add all sauce ingredients to a liquid measuring cup. Whisk well until fully combined.
  2. Pour the mix into a saucepan. Bring to a full boil, whisking continuously. Keep boiling the sauce until it becomes translucent and thickens (a few minutes). Take off the heat.
To serve:
  1. Serve the tofu with rice, drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle chopped scallions on top.

Recipe notes:

*If fresh ginger is not available, you can substitute ½ teaspoon dried ground ginger.
**The level of spiciness in a given amount of crushed red pepper flakes varies quite a bit from batch to batch. I recommend you start with ¼ teaspoon and then add more after you taste the sauce, if you like it spicier.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover fried tofu cubes and leftover sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the tofu in a non-stick pan on the stovetop. Reheat the sauce in a pan or in the microwave.
Did you make this recipe?Please consider leaving a review- THANK YOU!

Nutrition (estimate only):

Calories: 542kcalCarbohydrates: 49.9gProtein: 14.9gFat: 32.4gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 1373mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 19.2gCalcium: 264mgIron: 4mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

More honey sesame dishes:

Comments

  1. Andrea says

    Was AuuMazing!!! Will make more sauce next time but everything was on point.

    Reply

    • Nicole B. says

      I'm so happy to hear that, thank you so much for coming back and leaving such great feedback, Andrea!! :)

      Reply
4.50 from 8 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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