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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Pan Fried Sesame Tofu

    Published: Jul 25, 2022 by Bree - 1 Comment - This post may contain affiliate links

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    This article may contain affiliate links. please check out my policy!

    Super easy recipe for perfect, pan-fried tofu! Tofu is amazing when combined with different seasonings and sauces, but what about just a no-frills recipe that compliments any dish? You will love the simplicity.

    lightly browned tofu beside white rice with chopsticks on a plate.

    There's nothing better than just some simple pan-fried tofu next to a bed of fluffy white rice. While I do love all of the other ways to make tofu, though, sometimes I just want something fast and basic.
    I love tofu and I think everyone can learn to love this beautiful pressed soybean brick. Tofu is known to not have a flavor, and sometimes all it needs is just a few ingredients.

    While this recipe is for pan-frying tofu, I also have a recipe on how to air-fry tofu as well! And if you're looking for a tofu dish that uses something yummy like a peanut sauce, look no further, I got that too!

    Jump to:
    • 🥘Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • 🧾Type of Tofu
    • 📖Substitutions
    • 🍱Storage
    • ❓Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    🥘Ingredients

    ingredients for pan fried tofu with text.

    Yep, that's it! Just 3 ingredients!

    You can totally omit the sesame oil if that isn't your thing. I also use just a little bit of olive oil to keep my tofu from sticking to the pan, which is also optional if you have a good non-stick skillet.

    I do not recommend using the sesame oil at high temperatures and only as an ending seasoning when the tofu is nearly done.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    🔪Instructions

    process shot for step one.

    Cut your tofu brick into cubes just like so, and place them into your skillet along with a splash of olive oil to keep them from sticking. Add your salt at this time.

    process shot for step two.

    After about 5 minutes on medium-high heat, start flipping your tofu pieces. If you're a pro and can do the pan flip, perfect, otherwise use a spatula, chopsticks, fork, etc.

    Once your tofu pieces are a nice, golden brown on most sides, turn the heat off and add your sesame oil to coat all pieces. Plate and serve, that's it!

    👩🏻‍🍳Cook's Tip
    I like to use a toothpick or small knife to put a couple of little holes in the tofu so that the salt gets in there as well as the sesame oil. I think it just really brings out more flavor altogether.

    one piece of fried tofu in chopsticks with background blurred out.

    🧾Type of Tofu

    Tofu comes with different firmness factors like medium, medium firm, firm, extra firm. Sometimes you can find soft and of course there's the shelf stable silken tofu. The type of tofu you need for this recipe is from Medium to Extra Firm depending on what you can find.
    I do recommend Firm and up, but medium can work. Just be careful when flipping!

    📖Substitutions

    There are very few substitutions for soy-free tofu, like hempfu (tofu made from hemp) pumfu (tofu made from pumpkin seeds also known as pepitas) and even chickpea tofu made from chickpea flour is possible. I have tried them all and they are equally amazing!

    🍱Storage

    Place tofu into an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing, as freezing tofu changes the texture.

    If you wish to store uncooked tofu, say you only used half of a block, place the other uncooked half into a bowl and cover with water and place in fridge for up to as long as the shelf life exists. Make sure you mark down the best by date on the package before doing so just in case.

    Check out my other amazing Tofu recipes!

    • Tofu With Sesame Peanut Sauce
    • Easy Air fried Tofu
    • Ultimate Oil Free Tofu Scramble
    • Vegan Egg Salad with Black Salt

    ❓Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you have to press tofu before frying?

    It depends! Mostly, no. I typically never do, just be careful adding wet tofu to hot oil! When pan frying, be sure to add the tofu to the pan and oil before it gets hot as to avoid hot splatters. However, you are welcome to dry or press your tofu before pan frying. It should not affect the texture or flavors.

    Is it better to pan fry or bake tofu?

    That is subjective and completely up to the person making the meal. If you're trying to eat a little healthier, baking would be a better option.

    📖 Recipe

    browned tofu beside rice.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Pan Fried Sesame Tofu

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    You'll love the simplicity of this light and crispy pan fried tofu. Pair it with a side of rice or your favorite veggies!
    Cook10 mins
    Total15 mins
    Servings - 2
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    Equipment

    • 1 Spatula or Spoon
    • 1 toothpick optional
    • 1 frying pan

    Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon olive oil - optional
    • 1 brick extra firm tofu - see notes
    • pinch of salt - to taste
    • 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil - optional

    Instructions

    • Place your frying pan on the stove and add some olive oil (if using).
    • Drain your tofu and place it on a cutting board. There's no need to squeeze your tofu for this recipe, though you're certainly allowed to do so, it will not affect anything.
    • Cut your tofu brick into bite size squares however is easiest for you. Then place the tofu into the frying pan and turn on the heat. Adding wet tofu to hot oil could be a bad idea so avoid doing this.
    • Sprinkle salt all over the tofu pieces and stir around to get each piece salted, then allow to fry up at medium high heat until starting to turn golden (about 5 minutes), then flip the tofu pieces over and fry for another 5 minutes until most of the tofu is cooked and golden.
    • Once you are satisfied with how your tofu looks, cut the heat off and then add your sesame oil. If you're using a non-gas stove, I recommend removing the pan from the heat element and adding the oil to coat all pieces.
    • Toss the tofu pieces to coat all in sesame oil and then plate and serve!

    Notes

    1. I recommend extra firm tofu for this recipe, though you can certainly use just firm and even medium/medium firm. I do not recommend silken tofu.
    2. For soy-free, try tofu alternatives such as pumpfu, hempfu, or tofu made from chickpea flour. Links in post!
    3. Play around with seasonings if you'd like!
    Nutrition Facts are a rough estimate without considering extras and is a general baseline. Please make your own conscious decisions about the food you consume.
     
    This recipe belongs to Planty Of Eats

    Nutrition

    Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.8g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 8.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Share it with me! I'd love to see it!Mention @plantyofeats

    Check out more delicious vegan recipes!

    • Gluten Free Zucchini Fritters
    • Vegan Crockpot Potpie
    • Vegan BBQ "Pulled Pork" with Soy Curls
    • Plant-Based Sausage Crumbles

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nathan

      August 04, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      Light yet filling, great snack choice too

      Reply

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