Name: Crispy Sesame Tofu and Broccoli
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: Asian

OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

In less time than it takes to order and bring home take-out, you can pan-fry tofu until crisp, simmer broccoli florets, and bring them together with a lightly sweet soy and sesame sauce (which is generous enough to spoon over rice). Whether you're cooking vegetarian or gluten-free, or you just want a healthy choice, this one's a keeper for weeknight dinners. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas.

19 Ingredients

EASY

From the Cook

1/2

Crispy Sesame Tofu and Broccoli

OnlineCook

Ingredients

Servings

WarningSoy and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

Drain any water from the package of tofu. Wrap the block of tofu in 3-4 layers of paper towels, tucking in the sides so the block is fully wrapped. Set on a work surface, place a heavy-bottomed pan on top of the block, and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

To make the sauce: Mince the garlic and finely grate the ginger. Whisk together the water and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl until cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the tamari, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper (if using). Set sauce aside. Thinly slice the scallions and set aside.

Unwrap tofu and discard paper towels. Cut the tofu into rectangles approximately 1-inch long, 3/4-inch wide, and 1/2-inch thick. Transfer tofu to a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss with a spatula to coat.

Set a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once oil is shimmering, add half the tofu pieces, using tongs to ensure they lie flat in a single layer on bottom of pan. Sear tofu until bottoms are golden brown and crisp, 3-4 minutes. Flip tofu and sear the opposite sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the tofu to a plate. Repeat with more oil and the remaining tofu.

Reduce heat to medium. Add the broccoli to pan and pour in the water. Cover the pan and simmer broccoli until it is bright green and tender-crisp, 2-3 minutes.

Transfer broccoli to a plate and discard any residual water from the pan.

Return frying pan to stove over medium heat. Pour sauce into pan and cook, stirring, until it begins to bubble and thicken, 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli to the sauce and stir to coat, then add the tofu. Continue cooking just until the ingredients are fully heated through, 1-2 minutes.

Sprinkle the scallions and sesame seeds over tofu and broccoli and serve immediately.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Tofu Texture Secret 🧊
Freeze and thaw your extra-firm tofu before cooking to create a more porous, meat-like texture that absorbs sauce beautifully and crisps up more effectively.
Cornstarch Coating Technique 🥢
Pat tofu completely dry and coat evenly with cornstarch, using a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-light, even layer that guarantees maximum crispiness.
Sauce Balance Mastery 🥄
Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and taste before adding to ensure perfect sweet-savory balance, adjusting brown sugar or tamari as needed.
Broccoli Blanching Hack 🥦
Briefly blanch broccoli in salted boiling water for 90 seconds before stir-frying to lock in vibrant green color and ensure tender-crisp texture.
Oil Temperature Control 🔥
Use a wooden chopstick or skewer to test oil temperature - when small bubbles form around the tip, it's at the perfect 350-375°F for crispy tofu.