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 .
I first made this sesame tofu & broccoli for my friends craving takeout style flavors but wanting something easy & homemade . The crispy edges and rich sauce got rave reviews , and now it is a regular request at our dinner table .
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 . 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 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 This meal is a hit even with picky family members , and we often enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day . Gathering around the table to build our own bowls with extra spring onions makes it fun for everyone .
Required Tools
Saucepan , large nonstick skillet or wok , mixing bowls , knife and cutting board , spatula
Allergen Information
Contains soy ( tofu , soy sauce ) and sesame . Recipe is dairy- and egg-free . Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for those sensitive . Always check ingredient labels to confirm absence of allergens .
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 370 calories , 12 g total fat , 49 g carbohydrates , 15 g protein
Save to Pinterest Serve while warm for ultimate comfort . Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge .
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the tofu crispy?
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then toss it with soy sauce and cornstarch before pan-frying in sesame oil over medium-high heat until golden on all sides.
- → Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, cauliflower or bell peppers work well as alternatives, adding different textures and flavors to the dish.
- → What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, complementing the sesame tofu and vegetables.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
A slurry made from cornstarch and water is added to the pan and cooked until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey, the sauce stays fully plant-based while maintaining its sweetness.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavors?
Sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh, nutty crunch and color to finish the dish.