Crispy Sesame Coated Baked Tofu Recipes

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU STEAKS WITH TERIYAKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Season tofu: Pat tofu dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Prepare crust coating: Place flour, egg and sesame in separate bowls (medium shallow bowls or tupperware best).
• Sesame crust: Press tofu into flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, then let excess drip off before coat in sesame seeds, pressing to adhere all over. Repeat with remaining tofu.
• Crispy garlic: Heat oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Cook tofu: Turn heat up to medium-high. Place tofu in skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until the sesame smells nutty and becomes crisp. Turn carefully and cook the other side for 1 1/2 minutes. Then use tongs to prop the tofu steaks up on its sides to sear the edges until crisp - about 30 seconds each side should do it (see video for my technique).
• Drain: Remove tofu to paper towel lined plate.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Lower heat to medium then add Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Simmer for 1 minute until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then remove skillet from stove.
• Serve: Place tofu steak on plate. Spoon over Teriyaki Sauce (it clings to sesame, don't worry, crust stays crispy). Sprinkle with garlic and green onion. Devour, then declare, "I LOVE TOFU!!".

CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Blot tofu dry. Cut into 3/4-in. cubes. Place on a clean kitchen towel; cover with another towel. Place a cutting board on top; gently place a large cast iron skillet on top. Let stand 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Add tofu to soy mixture; turn to coat. Add tofu, a few pieces at a time, to the cornstarch; toss to coat. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until cubes are golden brown and crispy, 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

GARLIC SESAME TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit.
• Drain the excess liquid from the tofu and dry it off with a towel*.
• Cut into 1 inch cubes and add to a large bowl. Toss with the soy sauce.
• Toss with the cornstarch, then the breadcrumbs until all pieces are evenly coated.
• Add to the baking tray and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
• During the final 10 minutes, prep the sauce.
• Mince the garlic and saute with 1 tbsp neutral oil in a small saute pan for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Add in the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, 2 tbsp of water and sesame oil.
• Whisk together the cornstarch and other 2 tbsp of water in a bowl and add to the pan.
• Heat over low heat for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
• When the tofu is done, toss with the sauce. Serve over rice with steamed broccoli or enjoy as is!

CRISPY SESAME TOFU

Steps:

• Place block of tofu flat on cutting board; slice lengthwise into 4 equal pieces, then down the middle to make 8 squares. Place on baking sheet lined with three layers of paper towels; cover with three more layers. Place another baking sheet and a weight on top. Let tofu drain until towels are soaked, 5 minutes.
• Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Press both sides of each tofu square into sesame seeds. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium heat. Cook tofu, until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Add the soy sauce; continue cooking, turning tofu, until it has absorbed all the liquid, about 1 minute. Remove from pan. Wipe skillet with a paper towel.
• Add broccoli, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup water to skillet. Simmer, covered, until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. Divide among 4 serving plates; arrange 2 tofu squares on each. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon sesame oil. Serve.