Crispy Sesame Tofu with Tahini Peanut Sauce, Broccoli and Rice (2024)

Crispy sesame tofu with creamy tahini peanut sauce, served over steamed rice and broccoli – This easy vegan recipe is loaded with good carbs, protein and healthy fats, making it to the perfect lunch or dinner meal!

Crispy Sesame Crusted Tofu Recipe

This sesame tofu recipe is so delicious and easy to make in the pan, air fryer or oven. It’s crusted in sesame seeds and served with a creamy tahini peanut sauce over steamed rice and broccoli. It comes together in under 30 minutes for a simple and healthy meal that is vegan and gluten-free!

How do you make sesame crusted tofu?

To make crispy tofu, it is very important to press the tofu very dry first. If the water content is low, the tofu can absorb the flavorful marinade even better. I recommend using frozen and then thawed tofu to get rid of most of the liquid. Then it’s marinated in an Asian flavored seasoning sauce and tossed with breadcrumbs and sesame seeds before it’s shallow-fried until crispy.

If you are in a time crunch, simply drain out a package of firm tofu and pat dry as best as you can using paper towels. Then cut and season with garlic powder, dried ginger and soy sauce as instructed in this recipe. Lastly, toss in a mixture of cornstarch, breadcrumbs and sesame seeds before pan-frying.

Cornstarch helps to absorb excess water so the tofu crisps up even more. Arrowroot should work just as well.

How does breading stick to tofu?

Usually eggs are used to make the breading stick better, but it also works without them. If the breading still doesn’t stick well, feel free to make a flaxseed-egg or a chickpea-egg mixture. Then coat the marinated tofu cubes first in cornstarch, then dip them in the vegan egg mixture, and finally roll them in the breadcrumbs with sesame seeds.

Ingredients for Sesame Tofu

• Firm or extra-firm tofu: The tofu does need to be pressed first. You can use a tofu press or simply use some paper towels and a few heavy books.
• Garlic & ginger: to add flavor to the marinade.
• Soy sauce: For gluten free, use gluten free tamari instead. For soy-free, use coconut aminos instead.
• Agave syrup: you can use maple syrup too.
• Chili powder: or sub Sriracha hot sauce to taste, depending on how spicy you like it.
• Sesame seeds: white or black ones.
• Breadcrumbs: you can also use Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Oil: I suggest using peanut or sesame oil for the marinade and neutral oil like canola, sunflower or wok oil for frying.
• Tahini peanut sauce: if you don’t have tahini, you can also serve this dish with my best peanut sauce.
• Rice: white or brown for serving.
• Broccoli : optional for serving.
• To garnish: chopped green onions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and lime wedges.

How to make Crispy Sesame Tofu

As always, I recommend checking out these step-by-step instructions and therecipe video first. Then you’ll find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below!

1. Combine all ingredients for the marinade. Add the pressed tofu cubes, toss to coat and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
2. Place the sesame seeds and breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each tofu cube from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off, then toss in the sesame breadcrumb mixture.
3. Heat some oil in a large non-stick pan and pan-fry the sesame crusted tofu until golden-brown and crispy from all sides.

Can I bake the tofu instead?

Sure, you can if you prefer! After marinating, roll the tofu in the breadcrumbs and sesame seeds as instructed in the recipe. Then place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spray with a little oil and bake in the oven at 392 °F for about 25-30 minutes in the oven until the tofu is crispy.

Meanwhile, you can make the tahini peanut sauce, steam the rice and roast the broccoli. This method is actually way easier because you don’t have to cook so much on the stove at the same time.

Can I air-fry tofu?

Yes, of course! Once the tofu is coated spray or drizzle with some oil. Then place the tofu in the air fryer basket and air-fry like French fries for about 10 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the size you cut the tofu. Be sure to check in between to see if you need to flip the tofu.

How to store leftovers

Place leftover sesame tofu in a covered container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Re-warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven for 8-10 minutes if you want the tofu to be crispy again!

To meal prep for lunches, divide rice, broccoli and tofu into containers. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and store in the refrigerator for quick grab and go meals! I recommend storing the tahini peanut sauce in a separate container or jar. If it gets to thick, warm it slightly or stir in some water to thin it out.

This crispy sesame tofu recipe is:

• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Easy to make
• Healthy
• Flavorful
• Delicious
• Perfect for make-ahead meals
• Great for lunch, einer or finger-food!

More delicious Tofu Recipes to try

• Tofu Satay Skewers
• Vegan Pad Thai
• Vegan Paella
• Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
• General Tso’s Tofu
• Japanese Tofu Katsu
• Crispy Sesame Tofu with Tahini Peanut Sauce
• Thai Peanut Ramen Noodle Soup
• Asian Peanut Noodles
• Vietnamese Noodle Salad
• Vegan Fish Nuggets
• Tofu Scramble

If you try this crispy sesame tofu recipe, feel free to leave me a comment and a star rating! And if you take a photo of your dish and share it on Instagram, please tag me @biancazapatka and use the hashtag #biancazapatka because I love seeing your remakes! Happy cooking! 🙂

IF YOU HAVE PINTEREST, YOU CAN FIND ME HERE AND PIN THE FOLLOWING PICTURE, IF YOU LIKE! 🙂