Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe – Easy Soy-Mirin Glazed Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe – Easy Soy-Mirin Glazed Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s become a real weeknight staple in my kitchen. Honestly, I first made this crispy sesame tofu when I was craving something satisfyingly crunchy and flavorful, but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. It totally hit the spot, and I’ve been perfecting it ever since! It’s a fantastic vegetarian option, and even my meat-loving friends ask for seconds. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crispy sesame tofu is seriously addictive. It’s got this incredible balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, with a texture that’s just perfect – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 block firm tofu
• ¼ cup corn flour (approx. 30g)
• ¼ cup sesame seeds (approx. 25g)
• 3 tablespoons oil (approx. 45ml)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (approx. 60ml)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (approx. 15ml)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (approx. 15ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (approx. 2.5g)
• ½ tablespoon honey (approx. 7.5ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Tofu Types & Firmness

Firm or extra-firm tofu is key here. Silken tofu just won’t hold its shape. The firmer the tofu, the crispier it gets! I usually go for extra-firm.

Mirin: What It Is & Substitutes

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine. It adds a lovely subtle sweetness and shine to the glaze. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dry sherry or rice vinegar mixed with ½ teaspoon of sugar.

Sesame Oil: Choosing Quality

Good quality sesame oil is worth it! It has a really distinct, nutty aroma. Look for toasted sesame oil – it’s darker and more flavorful. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

Soy Sauce Variations (Light vs. Dark)

You can use either light or dark soy sauce for this recipe. Light soy sauce is saltier, while dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter. I personally prefer light soy sauce for a brighter flavor, but dark soy sauce will give you a richer color.

Corn Flour vs. Other Coating Options

Corn flour gives the tofu a really light and crispy coating. You could also use potato starch, but corn flour is usually easier to find. Avoid wheat flour, as it can make the coating a bit heavy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First things first, you need to press the tofu. This is so important for getting it crispy. Use a tofu press, or wrap the tofu in several layers of kitchen towel and place something heavy on top (like a cast iron pan) for about 30 minutes to remove the excess moisture.
2. Once pressed, slice the tofu into your preferred shapes – I like to do rectangles or triangles. Then, make some shallow scores on the surface of each slice. This helps the marinade get in there and work its magic.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, salt, and honey. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined.
4. Add the tofu slices to the marinade and let them hang out for at least 15 minutes. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be!
5. Now, it’s coating time! Place the corn flour in a shallow dish, then the sesame seeds in another. Dredge each marinated tofu slice in the corn flour, making sure it’s fully coated, then dip it into the sesame seeds, pressing gently to help them stick.
6. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated tofu slices. Fry for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the tofu from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions and a side of your favorite pickled vegetables.

Expert Tips

Want to take your crispy sesame tofu to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

Achieving Maximum Crispiness

Pressing the tofu is the biggest secret! Seriously, don’t skip that step. Also, make sure the oil is hot before adding the tofu.

Marinating Time & Flavor

While 15 minutes is good, you can marinate the tofu for up to a few hours for a more intense flavor.

Preventing Sticking During Frying

Make sure the skillet is well-oiled and hot before adding the tofu. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches if necessary.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just make sure your honey is vegan-friendly (some vegans avoid honey). You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Soy Sauce Alternatives)

If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Chili)

Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. My friend loves adding a finely chopped chili!

Air Fryer Version

You can absolutely make this in an air fryer! Spray the coated tofu with a little oil and air fry at 200°C (390°F) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Festival Adaptation (Lunar New Year/Vegan Celebrations)

This tofu is a wonderful addition to Lunar New Year feasts, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It’s also perfect for vegan potlucks and celebrations!

Serving Suggestions

This crispy sesame tofu is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with some sides! Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Noodle salad
• Edamame
• Kimchi

Storage Instructions

Leftover tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It won’t be as crispy when reheated, but it will still be delicious! You can try reheating it in a dry skillet or air fryer to crisp it up a bit.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best type of tofu for this recipe?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is best. It holds its shape and gets nice and crispy.

Can I marinate the tofu overnight?

Yes, you can! Just be aware that the tofu might become a bit salty if marinated for too long.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use less oil, bake the tofu instead of frying, or use a lower-sugar sweetener like stevia.

What can I serve with this crispy sesame tofu?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and noodle salad are all great options.

How do I store leftover crispy sesame tofu?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.