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5 from 12 reviews

Crispy Baked Sticky Sesame Tofu

Recipe by Shane Martin

If you think tofu is bland or boring, this Sticky Sesame Tofu will change your mind. It’s crispy, baked, sweet, and totally addicting—aka the tofu recipe you didn’t know you needed.


  • Total Time25 minutes
  • Yield3 servings 1x
  • DietVegan

Ingredients

Scale

For the tofu:

  • 1 (16-ounce) block of super firm tofu or extra firm tofu (pressed), torn into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (tamari sauce for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or brown sugar, if you’re out)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for topping

Instructions

  1. Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks (this gives a more rustic, crunchy tofu vibe). Add it to a large zip-top bag or large bowl with the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Shake or toss until the tofu is well coated.
  2. Preheat your oven to 370°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  3. NOTE: If using your air fryer, cook at 370°F for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Once the tofu is finished baking, place a non-stick pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the ketchup, soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir it all up and let it bubble into a slightly thick, sweet, sticky sauce. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for more body.
  5. Toss the crispy tofu into the sauce. Stir gently over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes until all the tofu pieces are completely coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy! 

Toppings (optional): chopped green onion, cilantro, 

Notes

How to enjoy stick sesame tofu:

  • It’s great with brown rice
  • Add steamed broccoli with rice for a complete meal
  • Toss it in your favorite Buddha bowls
  • Pile it high on some noodles 

Tips & storage:

  • Don’t worry if it’s not perfect because tofu is forgiving.
  • Leftover tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To crisp it up again, reheat it in the oven or air fryer.
  • More flavor? Next time, add grated fresh garlic, fresh ginger, or a pinch of five spice to the sauce.
  • Experiment with homemade General Tso Sauce or Teriyaki Sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 of 3
  • Calories: 229
  • Sugar: 11.9 g
  • Sodium: 424.3 mg
  • Fat: 8.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20.6 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 14.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg