Sesame Tofu Recipe (Baked)

Name: Sesame Tofu (Baked)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil ((optional)); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed and drained); 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot); 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup aquafaba ((liquid from canned chickpeas)); 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white, or a mix of black and white); 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes, or 3 tablespoons more sesame seeds); 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)); 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon sriracha ((optional)); 2 teaspoons grated ginger; 1 large clove minced garlic; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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This crispy Sesame Tofu recipe is quick and easy to make. Air fry, bake, or pan-fry. Gluten-free and oil-free options, crispy and healthy, with a lightly sweetened tangy sauce. This egg-free, Chinese-style vegan recipe uses sesame seeds and crushed cornflakes or panko for the crust.

Six pieces of crispy tofu with sesame seeds on a white plate next to a brown agrodolce sauce.

This is a tofu recipe that everyone will enjoy! Plus, it can easily be made without oil or gluten without compromising on flavor and texture. This is one of my go-to protein dishes because it's so easy to make, and it always turns out delicious. Pair sesame tofu with my easy dipping sauce for serving.

This sesame tofu recipe was inspired by my crispy Panko Tofu, as well as this Tofu Korean Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🧄 Substitutions
📖 How to Make Sesame Tofu
💡 Expert Tips
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🍽 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Cornstarch, sesame oil, rice vinegar, tamari, panko, sesame seeds, garlic powder, aquafaba, and tofu.

Extra firm or super firm tofu
Cornstarch
Sesame oil (optional)
Rice vinegar
Tamari or soy sauce
Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
Garlic powder
Sesame seeds
Panko or crushed cornflakes

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧄 Substitutions

Garlic powder - use one minced clove of fresh garlic instead
Ginger - add one tablespoon of grated ginger to the marinade for more flavor
Soy sauce - use gluten-free tamari instead for no gluten
Panko - substitute with gluten-free panko, crushed cornflakes, or an equal amount of sesame seeds for gluten-free
Cornstarch - use arrowroot instead as desired
Tofu - use superfirm tofu which is pre-pressed to save time (Nasoya or Wildwood brands)

Try my panko tofu recipe for an allergy-friendly option. It's made without sesame seeds. For more easy and healthy tofu recipes, visit my Tofu Recipes page on this site.

📖 How to Make Sesame Tofu

For the full recipe, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.

Eight cut squares of tofu marinating in a soy marinade in a pyrex dish.

Step 1. Marinate: Transfer the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder to a shallow dish. Mix well. Place the sliced tofu into the dish in a single layer. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, flipping them over after 15 minutes.

A plate with sesame seeds, a plate with cornstarch, and a bowl with aquafaba.

Step 2. Set up the tofu coating station with sesame seeds and panko, cornstarch, and aquafaba.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

A plate of cornstarch with a piece of tofu being dipped, and a pyrex dish with marinating tofu, next to a bowl with aquafaba.

Step 3. Coat the tofu: Take one piece of the marinated tofu and shake off any excess marinade. Lightly coat it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

A piece of tofu coated with cornstarch being dipped in aquafaba.

Step 4. Then dip the piece into the aquafaba, letting any excess drip off.

A piece of tofu being coated in sesame seeds next tpo marinating tofu and aquafaba.

Step 5. Dip the tofu into the panko and sesame seeds. Press gently to coat evenly.

Six pieces of tofu with sesame seeds on a white baking sheet.

Step 6. Transfer the coated tofu to a large nonstick baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining pieces. Optional: lightly spray the pieces with cooking oil.

Six pieces of crispy baked tofu with sesame seeds on a white baking sheet.

Step 7. Bake for about 10 minutes, before flipping the pieces over. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until golden brown.

A hand holding a piece of cut sesame tofu.

Or air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the pieces lightly with cooking oil. Place them in an air fryer basket in a single layer. (You may have to cook them in batches.) Cook the sesame tofu for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

💡 Expert Tips

Oil is optional but a little goes a long way in getting the sesame tofu crispy and golden brown. I recommend spraying the coated tofu lightly with oil.
For cooking: Either bake, air fry or pan fry the sesame tofu. Spread the tofu in a single layer with enough space between the pieces for hot air to pass through. This way, the tofu will brown evenly.
Serve the easy dipping sauce at room temperature. Make it right before serving or ahead of time. It is quick and easy to make. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Storage: Refrigerate the remaining Sesame Tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, flipping the tofu over halfway. Or reheat in the microwave.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I pan-fry sesame tofu?

To pan-fry, add oil to a medium skillet. (The oil should reach about halfway up the sides of the tofu.) Heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully transfer the tofu to the pan. Place the pieces about 2 inches apart. (Work in batches as needed). Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.

Can I cook tofu without pressing it?

Pressing tofu removes excess liquid so the pores can more easily absorb the flavorful marinade, for a more flavorful tofu. It also gets the tofu more crispy upon cooking.
Super firm tofu comes pre-pressed. Nasoya and Wildwood brands make super-firm tofu. I suggest purchasing this option if it is available to you. Read my 'How to Cook Tofu' post for more tips for cooking the best tofu.

Can I substitute a warm sauce for the easy dipping sauce to serve with sesame tofu?

Most sauces work with this sesame tofu recipe. Use warmed store-bought teriyaki sauce, or make a quick warm Asian sauce with tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, (toasted sesame oil), water, fresh ginger, and garlic to taste. Heat until reduced, and add cornstarch to thicken.