Sesame Black Pepper Crusted Tofu Recipes

SESAME TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap tofu with paper towels and place on a cutting board.
• Put a heavy plate on top to press out liquid for approximately 20 minutes.
• Stir sauce ingredients together in a saucepan.
• Simmer sauce while you cook the tofu.
• Dry drained tofu with paper towels and cube.
• Dust very lightly with cornstarch.
• Heat 1" oil in deep frying pan.
• Fry tofu in 350 degree F oil until golden brown.
• Place fried tofu in a large bowl and toss with 2/3 cup sauce, sprinkle liberally with sesame seeds and scallions.
• Toss gently.
• Serve remaining sauce for dipping or drizzled over vegetables.

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick pieces (squares or rectangles - about 2x2 or 2x3). You should get between 6-8 pieces, depending on the tofu you choose. Arrange the tofu in a shallow dish (about 8X8).
• Now prepare the marinade in a small bowl. Whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour the marinade on the tofu and allow it to marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge. Flip midway through.
• While the tofu is marinating, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine the lime juice, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and red chili flakes. Whisk well to combine. Now add the green onion and gently whisk to combine. Set in the fridge. Taste and adjust flavors after it has marinated for a bit. You can add more sweetener, lime juice or tamari if it needs balancing.
• When the tofu is almost done marinating, prepare the breading station. In a shallow bowl, combine corn starch, salt & pepper. In a second shallow bowl, place the aquafaba. In a third shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs and sesame seeds.
• Pick up one piece of tofu out of the marinade, gently shake off any excess liquid, and press it into the cornstarch to coat lightly. Gently shake off excess. Now, dip it into the aquafaba and let the excess drop off. Now press the tofu into the panko breadcrumbs & sesame seeds. Press gently on all sides to coat well. Place the coated tofu piece on a plate and repeat the process until all pieces are coated. *Discard marinade.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the tofu in the pan, leaving a few inches in between each piece (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the breading is crispy and golden brown.
• Place the tofu pieces on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess moisture. Garnish the tofu with spring onions and serve with steamed rice and dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU WITH SPINACH AND CARROTS

Steps:

• Combine the flour and five- spice powder on a plate. Combine the egg whites, 2 tablespoons of the water or broth and 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce in a shallow bowl. Spread the sesame seeds out on a plate. Dip the top of each piece of tofu into the flour mixture, then into the egg white mixture and then gently press into the sesame seeds. Place seed side up on a plate and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the carrots, ginger, sesame oil, remaining water or broth and remaining teriyaki sauce. Cook over medium heat until the carrots are cooked but still crunchy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the spinach and red pepper flakes and steam until tender. Keep warm.
• Place a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Lightly coat with the vegetable oil spray. Add the tofu, seed side down and saute until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until brown.
• Divide the carrot mixture with its liquid among 4 plates. Top each with 2 pieces of tofu and serve immediately.

SESAME BLACK PEPPER CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Cut tofu into 1 inch cubes.
• Mix sesame seeds and black pepper. (any spices can be used. seeds and coarsely ground spices give a nice texture).
• Coat all sides of tofu in the mixture.
• Bake in a nonstick or lightly oiled (sesame oil is nice) backing dish for approximately 15 minutes.