Save to Pinterest A flavorful, budget-friendly vegetarian dish featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a savory sesame sauce, served over steamed rice.
This sesame tofu & broccoli is a personal favorite for busy evenings when I crave something filling and satisfying. The crispy tofu and messy, savory sauce make each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- Tofu & Marinade: 400 g firm tofu, drained and pressed, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Vegetables: 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 350 g), 2 medium carrots, sliced (optional), 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) uncooked jasmine or long-grain rice, 500 ml (2 cups) water, 1/2 tsp salt
- Garnish: 2 spring onions, sliced, additional sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. Combine with water and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12<15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the tofu:
- Cut the pressed tofu into 2 cm cubes. In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce, then sprinkle with cornstarch, mixing until evenly coated.
- Cook the tofu:
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides (about 8 minutes). Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables:
- In the same pan, add broccoli and carrots. Stir-fry for 3<4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup/honey, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Add to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables (about 2 minutes).
- Combine:
- Return tofu to the pan and toss everything together gently. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve:
- Spoon rice into bowls, top with sesame tofu and broccoli mixture. Garnish with spring onions and extra sesame seeds.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table for this dish & everyone enjoys customizing their bowl with extra sesame seeds or spring onions.
Required Tools
Saucepan (for rice), large nonstick skillet or wok, mixing bowls, knife and cutting board, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains soy (tofu & soy sauce) and sesame. Dairy- and egg-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as needed. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 370, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 49 g, Protein: 15 g
Save to Pinterest This sesame tofu dish is a weeknight staple that brings together flavor and comfort. The vibrant colors and crunchy texture make every bite memorable.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy tofu?
Press and drain the tofu well, then coat with cornstarch before pan-frying in hot sesame oil until golden on all sides.
- → Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, cauliflower or bell peppers make excellent alternatives to add variety and color.
- → What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine or long-grain rice works best as it provides a fragrant and fluffy base.
- → How do I thicken the sauce properly?
Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce and cook until it thickens evenly.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, substituting honey with maple syrup keeps it fully plant-based without altering flavor.