Nut-Free Sesame Tofu

Savor the irresistible flavors of Nut-Free Sesame Tofu, a quick and allergen-friendly twist on a classic favorite. This plant-based recipe combines crispy, golden-brown tofu cubes with a rich, savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Infused with fresh garlic and ginger, each bite bursts with bold umami notes, while a light coating of cornstarch ensures the tofu stays perfectly crisp. Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh scallions, this dish is not only nut-free but also bursting with texture and flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, Nut-Free Sesame Tofu is your new go-to for a satisfying weeknight dinner, perfect served over fluffy steamed rice or alongside a colorful vegetable stir-fry.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 scallions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu: Remove tofu from packaging and drain excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a dish. Put a heavy object on top, like a skillet, to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

Step 3

Cut the tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 4

Coat the tofu: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch and the water to form a smooth slurry. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until all cubes are coated with the slurry mixture.

Step 5

Cook the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated tofu cubes to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

Add the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, pour the prepared sauce over the tofu in the skillet, and gently stir to coat the tofu evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the tofu is well-coated.

Step 7

Final touches: Slice scallions thinly and sprinkle over the tofu along with sesame seeds. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 8

Serve: Transfer the sesame tofu to a serving dish and enjoy while hot, ideally paired with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable stir-fry.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	659.4 grams (659.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1313

Total Fat 93.80g	120%
Saturated Fat 13.60g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 30.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1575mg	68%
Total Carbohydrate 60.20g	22%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 29.90g
Protein 71.20g	142%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2752mg	212%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 1128mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.6%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 17.6%