Easy, 15-minute Sesame Sticky Tofu recipe. Pan-fried tofu is tossed in a sticky, tangy, umami sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds. Vegan snack, or serve over a rice bowl or noodles with veggies.
Why You'll Love This!
- 15-minute recipe. This recipe is quick and easy!
- Seriously addictive! Even on its own, you'll keep reaching for more. 🙂
- So versatile. Serve alone, or on top of a bowl with veggies!
What is Sticky Tofu?
Sticky Tofu is tofu that is crispy and pan-fried, coated in a "sticky" sauce that is garlicky, tangy, and rich with umami flavor. Its sticky, syrupy texture lends itself well to the fried tofu. Sesame seeds stick perfectly to the sauce creating even more texture to make the perfect snack.
Ingredients
- Tofu: Use extra firm.
- Cornstarch: Potato starch works fine here too.
- Oil: Use a high-heat oil like avocado oil, or if you use olive oil, cook longer at medium heat.
- Tamari: Or soy sauce or liquid aminos.
- Rice vinegar
- Maple syrup: I wouldn't sub this, as the "stickiness" is essential!
- Sriracha: Can sub with chili garlic sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil: Or regular sesame oil.
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger
- Sesame seeds: I use "Eden Shake", a sesame and seaweed seasoning.
How to Make Sticky Tofu
Press tofu and pat dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Cut into rectangles, squares, cubes, or triangles.
Measure out 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into a small bowl. Lay out the tofu on a plate (cubes can be tossed in a bowl). Sprinkle half of the cornstarch over the tofu evenly, then flip and add the remaining cornstarch to coat the tofu.
Warm oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Lay the tofu into the pan and fry (without moving the tofu!!) for 5 minutes. Flip and fry for 5 more minutes, again being careful not to touch the tofu.
While the tofu is frying, mix together the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch, tamari, water, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Peel and mince the garlic cloves or use a garlic press and add to the sauce. Mince or grate the peeled ginger. Add to the sauce and mix.
Turn off the heat on the stove. Pour the mixture over top of the tofu, then quickly flip the pieces so both sides are coated.
Remove from the pan and season generously with sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Chef Tips
- No distractions! This recipe moves fast. It is hands-on the entire time, so try not to forget about the tofu in the pan, and be sure to make this sauce while the tofu is frying.
- Get your hands dirty. Instead of dumping the cornstarch onto the tofu from a tablespoon or small bowl, use your fingers to distribute the cornstarch evenly. If you dump the cornstarch on top, it will all land in one spot—each tofu piece needs to be evenly coated for this recipe to work.
- Don't move the tofu. As the tofu fries, resist the urge to move the tofu or even lift slightly to check the bottom. Leave as is, and the tofu should naturally release from the pan.
How to Serve Sticky Tofu
- As a snack or appetizer: Serve as is for the perfect snack or party appetizer. You could garnish with scallions too!
- On top of a bowl: Serve over steamed rice or on rice noodles with sautéed, roasted veggies, or raw, crunchy veggies.
- In sushi or spring rolls: Slice the sticky tofu with a sharp knife to create thin strips. Place inside sushi or spring rolls!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Unlike many takeout options, this recipe is actually made with wholesome ingredients. Tofu is high in protein and rich in nutrients, like calcium and magnesium.
Use your hands instead of dumping the cornstarch onto the tofu. Once the cornstarch is on the tofu it doesn't easily spread. So try to sprinkle and distribute it evenly. You can always use more if needed. You can also spread the cornstarch out on a place and press the tofu into it, then repeat on the other side. If creating cubes, you can simply toss the tofu and cornstarch into a bowl and mix gently with a silicone spoon.
I can't wait to hear what you think of this recipe! 🙂 Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to come back and rate the recipe!
More Tofu Recipes!
📖 Recipe
Sesame Sticky Tofu
Ingredients
- 15 ounces extra firm tofu
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons tamari
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Press tofu and pat dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Cut into rectangles, squares, cubes, or triangles.
- Measure out 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into a small bowl. Lay out the tofu on a plate (cubes can be tossed in a bowl). Sprinkle half of the cornstarch over the tofu evenly, then flip and add the remaining cornstarch to coat the tofu.
- Warm oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Lay the tofu into the pan and fry (without moving the tofu!!) for 5 minutes. Flip and fry for 5 more minutes, again being careful not to touch the tofu.
- While the tofu is frying, mix together the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch, tamari, water, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Peel and mince the garlic cloves or use a garlic press and add to the sauce. Mince or grate the peeled ginger. Add to the sauce and mix.
- Turn off the heat on the stove. Pour the mixture over top of the tofu, then quickly flip the pieces so both sides are coated.
- Remove from the pan and season generously with sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Serving size refers to 16 squares/rectangles. Triangles may be less, and cubes will be much more. Should serve about 4-5.
