Description
Crispy and flavorful Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks served with a luscious homemade Teriyaki Sauce, garnished with crunchy garlic chips and fresh green onion. This plant-based dish features a perfect balance of nutty sesame seeds and umami-rich sauce, making tofu irresistible for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 4 extra firm or hard tofu steaks, each approximately 100g (3.5oz), cut into 10 x 5 x 1.5cm slices (4 x 2 x 0.6″)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all purpose)
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- 4 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 4 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced (1mm thick, optional)
- 1 green onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (preferably Japanese all-purpose, or light soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp mirin (preferably Japanese)
- 2 tbsp cooking sake (preferably Japanese)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Season Tofu: Pat the tofu slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and pepper to lightly season the tofu.
- Prepare Coating Bowls: Place the flour, whisked egg, and a combined bowl of white and black sesame seeds separately in medium shallow bowls. This setup will assist with the dredging and coating process.
- Coat Tofu with Sesame: Press each tofu slice gently into the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the whisked egg and let any extra drip off. Finally, coat all surfaces generously with the sesame seed mixture, pressing well to adhere the seeds firmly. Repeat for all tofu pieces.
- Cook Crispy Garlic: Heat the canola or vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the garlic slices and drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- Cook Tofu Steaks: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the coated tofu slices to the skillet. Cook the tofu for 1 1/2 minutes on the first side until you smell a nutty aroma and the sesame crust turns crisp. Flip carefully and cook the opposite side for another 1 1/2 minutes.
- Sear Edges: Use tongs to prop each tofu steak up on its sides. Sear the edges until crisp, which should take about 30 seconds per side. This ensures all surfaces get a perfect sesame crust.
- Drain Tofu: Remove the tofu steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add soy sauce, mirin, cooking sake, and water into the skillet with the remaining oil and drippings. Simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce reduces to a syrupy consistency. Remove the skillet from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Serve: Plate the sesame crusted tofu steaks. Spoon the warm teriyaki sauce generously over the tofu; it will cling to the sesame crust without making it soggy. Sprinkle the fried garlic crisps and finely sliced green onion on top for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious tofu creation!
Notes
- Patting the tofu dry is essential to get a crispy crust; excess moisture will prevent proper crisping.
- Using both white and black sesame seeds gives an attractive look and balanced flavor.
- The garlic slices add a delightful crunch but are optional if you prefer a milder taste.
- Choose Japanese style soy sauce and mirin for authentic flavors and optimal balance of sweetness and saltiness.
- Be careful not to burn the sauce during reduction; it should be syrupy but smooth.
- Turning and searing edges of tofu helps maximize the crispy texture and flavor on all sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: sesame crusted tofu, teriyaki tofu, crispy tofu steaks, Japanese tofu recipe, vegetarian main course, sesame seed tofu
