Spicy Sesame Crusted Tofu

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix) - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, to serve When I make Spicy Sesame Crusted Tofu, I focus on the ingredients. The firm tofu gives a solid base. It holds up well during cooking. Firm tofu absorbs flavors, which is key for this dish. I love the crunch from sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs. They add texture and flavor. Using a mix of white and black sesame seeds can create a nice look, too. For the sauce, I rely on soy sauce for saltiness. Sriracha adds a spicy kick, but you can adjust it. Sesame oil brings a nutty flavor that ties it all together. The seasonings are simple but essential. Garlic powder and ginger powder give extra depth. A bit of salt and pepper rounds everything out. I like to garnish with green onions and cilantro for color and freshness. Finally, lime wedges add a bright pop when serving. These ingredients make this dish flavorful and fun to eat! First, you need to drain and press the tofu. This step is key. It helps remove excess water, which allows for crispier tofu. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or slices. Choose whatever shape you like best! Now, let’s make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste Stir until everything blends well. This sauce packs a flavor punch! Place the tofu pieces in a shallow dish. Pour the sauce over the tofu. Make sure each piece gets coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor! Next, let’s prepare the coating. In another shallow bowl, mix: - 1/4 cup sesame seeds - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs Add a dash of salt and pepper for extra flavor. Now, take each tofu piece out of the marinade. Let the extra sauce drip off. Press each piece into the coating mixture. Make sure they are covered on all sides for a nice crunch! You can choose to fry or bake the tofu. - For Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. - For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu on a lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden. Once cooked, transfer the tofu to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for color. Serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a fresh zing that pairs well with the spicy flavor! To make this dish even tastier, you can adjust the spice level with sriracha. If you want more heat, add more sriracha. For a milder taste, use less. You can also add extra seasonings to the sauce. Try adding a sprinkle of cayenne or paprika for a smoky kick. A pinch of sugar can balance the heat, making the flavors brighter. Achieving optimal crispiness is key to this dish. Start with firm tofu for the right texture. Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture. This helps the outside get crispy while the inside stays soft. When coating, make sure to cover every side with sesame seeds and panko. This creates a crunchy shell when cooked. You can explore different cooking methods for this dish. Air frying is a great option for a healthier alternative. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crispiness. Grilling is another fun method. Grill the tofu on medium heat, turning until you see nice grill marks. This adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the spices. {{image_2}} You can change the sesame seeds to fit your taste. Use white, black, or a mix. Each type adds a unique flavor and looks great on the plate. If you want a different kick, try swapping out sriracha. You might use chili paste, hot sauce, or even a spicy mustard. These swaps can change the dish while keeping it tasty. Dipping sauces can elevate this dish. Try soy sauce or a spicy peanut sauce. Both add extra flavor and fun. As for side dishes, steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad pair well. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. These options balance the spice and enhance your dining experience. This dish is naturally vegan, perfect for plant-based diets. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also find gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Adjusting these ingredients keeps the flavors while meeting dietary needs. With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy spicy sesame crusted tofu. To keep your spicy sesame crusted tofu fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the tofu in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep it safe and tasty. The tofu will stay good for up to three days. If the tofu is crispy, it may lose some crunch over time. To reheat your tofu while keeping it crispy, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you choose a skillet, add a bit of oil over medium heat. Cook the tofu for about 5 minutes on each side. This keeps the texture nice and crunchy. You can freeze spicy sesame crusted tofu, but it might lose some crispiness. To freeze, place cooled tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, you can bake it in the oven or use a skillet to warm it up. Enjoy your flavorful dish later! For this dish, I recommend using firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking. It gives a nice texture that pairs well with the crunchy coating. Extra-firm tofu is also a good choice if you want even less moisture. Both options work, but avoid soft tofu. It won’t hold up and can turn mushy. Absolutely! If you want more heat, add more sriracha to the sauce. You can also sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the sesame seed mixture. For an extra kick, mix in spicy sesame oil instead of regular. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both options taste great and keep the flavors intact. Ensure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free panko made from rice or corn. Yes! You can prep the tofu and sauce a day ahead. Marinate the tofu and keep it in the fridge. Just coat it right before cooking. If you bake or fry later, be sure to check for crispiness. Store any leftovers in the fridge. Enjoy them cold or reheat for a quick snack! This recipe shows how to make tasty, crispy tofu. You learned about key ingredients, steps, and variations. Each method helps you find the perfect way to cook tofu. Don't forget to try new flavors and adjust spice levels. You can mix, store, and reheat the dish easily. Experiment with swaps or toppings that fit your needs. Enjoy your meals with friends and family. Eating healthy can be fun and flavorful!$

Discover the incredible flavors of spicy sesame crusted tofu, a delicious dish that's both crispy and packed with taste! With easy steps for marinating and coating, this recipe is perfect for tofu lovers and anyone looking to add a nutritious twist to their meals. Elevate your plant-based dining and impress your friends and family with this simple yet satisfying dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking today!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed

1/4 cup sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix)

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges, to serve

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: After draining and pressing the tofu, cut it into 1-inch cubes or slices, depending on your preference.

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu pieces in a shallow dish and pour the sauce over them. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare Coating: In a separate shallow bowl, combine sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs. You can add a dash of salt and pepper for added flavor.

Coat the Tofu: Remove each tofu piece from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then, press each piece into the sesame seed mixture to ensure they are fully coated on all sides.

Fry or Bake the Tofu:

- For Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Serve: Once cooked, transfer tofu to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4