Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary destination where we celebrate the art of creating delicious, wholesome, and innovative dishes. Today, we delve into the world of plant-based cuisine with a focus on a dish that embodies crunch, flavor, and versatility: Crispy Sesame Tofu. This dish is an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to add a crispy, nutty, and savory element to their meal repertoire. The harmony of tender tofu coated with toasted sesame seeds and fried to golden perfection makes it a crowd-pleaser whether served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for salads and rice bowls.

Time

Preparing this delightful dish requires approximately 30 to 40 minutes, broken down as follows:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooling and Serving: 5 minutes

Needed Equipment

To ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process, gather the following essential tools:

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For slicing the tofu into your preferred shapes and sizes.
• Heavy-Duty Paper Towels or Clean Kitchen Towels: To press and remove excess moisture from the tofu.
• Medium Mixing Bowls: For preparing the flour mixture, egg wash, and coating station.
• Whisk or Fork: For beating the eggs and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Plate or Shallow Dish: To spread out sesame seeds for coating.
• Frying Pan or Deep Skillet: For frying the coated tofu pieces. Alternatively, a wok with high sides can be used for better control.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: For carefully removing the tofu from hot oil.
• Paper Towels or Wire Rack: To drain excess oil after frying.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients.
• Cooking Thermometer: Optional but helpful for maintaining proper oil temperature.

Tags

This versatile dish can be tagged as: Vegetarian, Vegan, Crispy, Sesame, Tofu, Appetizer, Main Course, Asian Cuisine, Plant-Based, Healthy, Quick & Easy.

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, with each serving consisting of about 4-6 pieces of crispy tofu, depending on the size cut.

Difficulty Level

This dish is classified as Easy to prepare, making it suitable for beginner cooks as well as experienced chefs looking for a quick and tasty meal. The steps are straightforward, involving basic techniques like coating, frying, and garnishing.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains:

• Soy: Present in tofu and egg wash.
• Sesame Seeds: Present in the coating.
• Eggs: Used in the egg wash.

If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, consider substitutions such as plant-based egg replacers or gluten-free coatings. Always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.

Dietary Preference

This dish is suitable for:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan (with egg substitute)
• Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free flour and sesame seeds)

Note: Traditional egg wash can be replaced with aquafaba or cornstarch slurry for vegan adaptations.

Course

This crispy sesame tofu fits perfectly as an:

• Appetizer
• Main Course
• Side Dish
• Snack

Cuisine

Inspired by Asian culinary traditions, especially Chinese and Japanese influences, this dish also aligns with fusion cuisine trends common in Western kitchens.

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Instructions

Preparation of Tofu

Begin by preparing the tofu, which is the core ingredient. Remove excess moisture through pressing. To do this:

1. Take the block of tofu and drain it from its packaging, discarding the liquid.
2. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place it on a flat surface.
3. Place a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books, on top of the wrapped tofu.
4. Press for at least 10-15 minutes to eliminate excess water, which helps achieve crispiness during frying.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into your preferred shapes—cubes approximately 1-inch in size or strips measuring about 1.5 inches long and ½ inch wide. Uniform sizes help ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Coating Station

Set up your coating station for efficiency:

• In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and any optional spices. Mix thoroughly.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. For vegan adaptation, substitute with aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a mixture of water and cornstarch.
• On a plate or shallow dish, spread out the toasted sesame seeds evenly.

Coating the Tofu

This process involves three steps:

1. Dip each tofu piece into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Gently shake off excess flour.
2. Next, dip the floured tofu into the beaten eggs or alternative, making sure it’s coated entirely.
3. Finally, roll the tofu in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere the seeds firmly.

Frying the Sesame Tofu

Cooking method options include shallow frying or deep frying:

• *Deep Frying:* Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated tofu pieces using a slotted spoon. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
• *Shallow Frying:* Use about 1 inch of oil in a skillet. Heat to medium-high. Cook tofu in batches, turning to ensure even browning, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding tofu; a way to test this is by dropping a small sesame seed into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Draining and Serving

Once cooked, remove the tofu from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. Garnish with chopped scallions, drizzle of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of additional toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh, firm tofu to achieve the best texture. Older or softer tofu may fall apart or not crisp as well.
• Press thoroughly to remove moisture, which is key for crispiness.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden for enhanced flavor.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to prevent sogginess and ensure even frying.
• Experiment with seasonings in the flour mixture, such as five-spice or chili powder, to customize the flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use extra-firm tofu for better texture and crispiness.
• Pre-toast sesame seeds in a dry pan to deepen flavor before coating.
• Adjust oil temperature during frying to prevent burning or sogginess.
• Serve immediately for optimal crunch, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in an oven for best results.
• Customize dipping sauces with soy, sriracha, or sweet chili for added flavor.

Add-ons

• Chopped scallions or cilantro as garnish.
• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
• Sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Additional sesame oil or chili oil for a more aromatic experience.
• Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli or bok choy.
• Stir-fried mixed vegetables.
• Simple Asian cucumber salad.
• Steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• Vegetable spring rolls or dumplings.

Improvements

• Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
• Implement baking as a healthier alternative—coat tofu and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Add a touch of honey or agave in the egg wash for a subtle sweetness.
• Incorporate finely chopped garlic or ginger into the flour mixture for aromatic depth.
• Spray tofu with cooking spray before baking to enhance crispiness without excess oil.

Save and Store

Leftover crispy sesame tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tofu on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This method helps maintain crispiness better than microwaving. For longer storage, freeze cooked tofu in a sealed container for up to one month; reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely. Replace eggs with aquafaba or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Choosing a vegan-friendly coating or using chickpea flour can also be effective.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated tofu pieces on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I prevent the sesame seeds from falling off?

Ensure the egg wash coat is thorough and sticky enough to adhere the sesame seeds. Press gently when rolling the coated tofu in the seeds. Toasting sesame seeds beforehand can also enhance their stickiness and flavor.

What dipping sauces pair well with crispy sesame tofu?

Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin, or a sesame-ginger dipping sauce are excellent choices. For a creamy option, try a vegan sriracha mayo or peanut sauce.

Can I double the recipe easily?

Yes, simply double or triple the ingredients proportionally. Be mindful of frying batches in smaller quantities to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.

Conclusion

Crispy Sesame Tofu is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a crispy exterior with a tender interior complemented by nutty sesame seeds. Its quick preparation, versatility, and satisfying crunch make it a standout dish suitable for various dietary needs. By following the detailed steps and tips outlined here, you can master this dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Remember to explore different seasonings and accompaniments to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. Happy cooking from all of us at Love With Recipes—your trusted platform for creating memorable, delicious meals.

References

• “The Complete Book of Vegetarian Cooking” by Carole Raymond
• Asian Food Grocer. (2023). Sesame Seeds and Their Culinary Uses. Retrieved from https://www.asianfoodgrocer.com