Crispy Chili Sesame Tofu Cubes (Printable Version)

Golden oven-baked tofu with spicy chili-sesame glaze. Perfect appetizer or protein-rich main dish ready in 45 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Chili Sesame Sauce

06 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
07 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
09 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (sambal oelek)
11 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4 inch cubes.
03 - In a bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
05 - While tofu bakes, whisk together all chili sesame sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan.
06 - Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then add cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until thickened (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat.
07 - Transfer baked tofu to a large bowl. Pour over the hot chili sesame sauce and toss to coat evenly.
08 - Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot as an appetizer or over steamed rice or noodles.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that restaurant style crispy texture without deep frying or standing over a hot stove
  • The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like something that simmered for hours
02 -
  • The tofu really does need to be pressed for at least 15 minutes longer if you have time it makes all the difference between crispy and soggy
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or the tofu will steam instead of roast you want space between the cubes
03 -
  • Cut your tofu with a sharp knife and use a gentle sawing motion to keep the cubes from crumbling
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before garnishing it makes a huge difference in flavor

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