Golden Sesame Tofu Recipes

SESAME TOFU: PAN-FRIED TO PERFECTION IN A CHILI-GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• Remove the extra-firm tofu from the packaging and place in a tofu press. Press for 15 mins.
• Once the tofu has drained, remove it from the press. Slice the tofu block in half, then into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the cubes into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch onto the tofu and gently toss using your hands or a wooden spoon until all tofu pieces are covered.
• Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the sesame oil is heated, add the tofu cubes to the skillet. Fry tofu until golden brown, approximately 2-3 mins on each side.
• Add all of the sauce ingredients into a small mixing bowl: soy sauce, filtered water, honey, chili garlic sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch.
• Whisk together until well-combined.
• Once the sesame bean curd (tofu) is crispy brown on all sides, add the sesame sauce to the crispy tofu. Cornstarch helps the sauce to begin thickening immediately.
• Toss the sesame tofu stir fry in the pan to coat, then remove from heat. Split into 4 servings, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
• Serve and enjoy your sesame-crusted tofu!

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.

GOLDEN SESAME TOFU

Steps:

• Heat a fry pan over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds and toast until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat and place sesame seeds in small bowl to cool.
• Remove tofu from package and drain. Press the tofu gently between the palms of your hands to squeeze out water, then wrap the tofu in paper towels, place it on a plate, then put a another plate on top of it. Place a 28-oz. can of tomatoes or a cast iron fry pan on the plate. This will press out any remaining water from the tofu. Let sit for about 20 minutes.
• Unwrap the tofu and slice into eight rectangular slices. To make even slices, slice the block of tofu in half, then half each half, and then half each quarter. Then dust the slices with tofu evenly with cornstarch on all sides.
• Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in fry pan over medium high heat. Add the tofu slices, but don't crowd the pan. You might have to fry in batches. Fry until the tofu is a light golden color, approximately 2 minutes, then turn the tofu over to cook another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove to drain on paper towels. If frying in batches, add more oil to the pan. It's normal for the tofu to splatter, so wear an apron if you don't want to ruin your clothes.
• While the tofu is frying, stir together the agave nectar or honey, soy sauce, gingerroot, sesame oil, mirin(or rice wine vinegar) and garlic together in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until slightly syrupy, about 5 minutes or so. Add chopped scallions and toss lightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Place tofu in glass bowl to hold. Pour sauce over tofu and turn to coat. Sprinkle tofu with toasted sesame seeds and turn again to coat. Season with crushed red chili flakes.
• Can be served warm or chilled. Will keep for about 5 days refrigerated.
• Enjoy!
• Note:.
• I had accidently bought cubed tofu, so used that, and it turned out great! This would be wonderful in a stir fry or used as "chicken" in a recipe. I couldn't get mirin, so used rice wine vinegar.