Description
This Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe is an easy, delicious dish that combines crispy, nutty tofu slices with a flavorful marinade and sesame seed coating. Perfectly cooked in either an air fryer or oven, it pairs wonderfully with cilantro lime rice, snap peas, edamame, and a spicy sriracha mayo for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 7 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/3 cup white and black sesame seeds
- 1 egg
- Olive oil spray
For the Sriracha Mayo
- 4 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
For Serving
- Cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup snap peas, steamed and chopped
- 1/3 cup frozen edamame, steamed
- 1 scallion, chopped
- Tamari, for drizzling
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Place the tofu slices on a kitchen towel or paper towels. Cover with another towel and lightly press to remove excess water. Transfer tofu to a shallow dish in a single layer.
- Make and apply the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, grated garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Drizzle half the marinade over the tofu, flip gently, and drizzle the remainder. Refrigerate and marinate for 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Preheat cooking device: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) or your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare tofu coating: Spread sesame seeds on a small plate. Beat the egg in a small bowl. Remove tofu slices from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dip each slice in egg, then coat both sides with sesame seeds using a fork. Transfer to a plate and spray one side with olive oil spray. Flip and spray the other side. Discard leftover marinade.
- Cook in air fryer: Arrange tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Or cook in oven: Place tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, carefully flip, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes until edges are browned and sesame seeds crisp.
- Prepare sriracha mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce.
- Serve: Plate the crispy sesame tofu with cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice, steamed snap peas, edamame, chopped scallion, and a drizzle of tamari. Serve with sriracha mayo on the side for dipping or topping.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential for a crispy texture.
- Marinating tofu for longer (up to 1 hour) intensifies flavor.
- Both air fryer and oven methods produce excellent crispy results.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To make vegan, substitute egg with a plant-based binder like aquafaba or a flax egg and use vegan mayo for sriracha mayo.
- Adjust Sriracha quantity in mayo to taste for desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian