Tortoiseshell Tofu

Elevate your vegetarian dinner game with this stunning Tortoiseshell Tofu recipe—a dish that combines crispy golden tofu cubes with a luxuriously glossy soy-based glaze. Inspired by its eye-catching, shell-like sheen, this quick and flavorful recipe features the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, thanks to a mixture of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. A hint of ginger and garlic adds aromatic depth, while garnishes of fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds create a restaurant-quality presentation. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this tofu masterpiece is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Pair it with steamed rice or fresh vegetables to complete the meal! Perfect for those in search of vegan recipes, tofu stir-fries, or Asian-inspired dishes, Tortoiseshell Tofu is a must-try that delivers both flavor and elegance in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 inch piece, finely grated ginger
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 whole, sliced scallions
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top to remove excess water. Let it press for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

Coat the tofu cubes in cornstarch, ensuring all sides are evenly covered. This will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry them for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and water to create the sauce.

Step 6

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 7

Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 8

Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece with the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 1–2 minutes so the tofu absorbs the flavors and the glaze develops a tortoiseshell-like shine.

Step 9

Serve the tortoiseshell tofu hot, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	647.5 grams (647.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1023

Total Fat 72.50g	93%
Saturated Fat 10.00g	50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1162mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate 64.20g	23%
Dietary Fiber 6.40g	23%
Total Sugars 30.80g
Protein 45.20g	90%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 679mg	52%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 798mg	17%

*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: 59.9%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 23.6%