Right here’s a fast and simple approach to remodel tofu from boring to scrumptious: reduce them into steaks and pan fry with a crispy sesame crust, then douse with Teriyaki Sauce. It’s a recipe that’ll change anyone’s thoughts about tofu!
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Let’s get the uncomfortable fact about tofu out of the way in which. For many individuals, tofu seems bizarre. And has a wierd texture they wrestle with.
It’s not helped by the truth that the web is awash with recipes that use tofu as a meat substitute in basic dishes, however doesn’t precisely enhance them. Like tofu bolognese and tofu cottage pie – no!😩 Or they attempt to persuade you that tofu cheesecake is completely a factor and stacks as much as the true deal. *She geese as vegans all over the place throw rotten tomatoes at her.*
So what’s the purpose of tofu, one would possibly ask?
As a result of when ready properly, it IS scrumptious. It’s one of many world’s biggest sources of plant-based proteins. It’s low calorie, low carb, has an exquisite style of contemporary soy beans and is a sponge for added flavour.
Immediately then is a straightforward recipe designed to take advantage of tofu. We reduce the tofu into steaks, coat it with sesame seeds after which pan-fry till crispy. The crunchy sesame crust provides a stack of flavour itself, but additionally creates a coating that the Teriyaki Sauce clings to. You actually get a squirt of Teriyaki Sauce in your mouth with each chunk – and we find it irresistible!
I exploit black and white sesame seeds for visible curiosity. However you possibly can simply use one kind.That crispy sesame crust! SWOON!
Tofu is extensively out there as of late. It is available in a broad vary of textures and kinds, from super-delicate, creamy, pudding-like variations which must be dealt with with excessive care, to agency and virtually haloumi-like in texture.
To make tofu steaks, you might want to use a agency tofu that’s exhausting sufficient to be dealt with like steak. It should have the ability to be sliced, coated in sesame seeds and pan fried. It’s offered labelled both as “agency tofu” or “exhausting tofu”.
If the labels confuse you, it’s simple to inform simply by selecting up the packet. If it feels agency sufficient to slice with out worrying in regards to the tofu crumbling, it’s going to work simply advantageous for this recipe.
Right here is one model of exhausting tofu that I exploit. That is from Harris Farms (Sydney):
Agency tofu used for Tofu SteaksDiscover the way it’s agency sufficient to slice into “steaks”
Along with the tofu, right here’s all you might want to make this wickedly scrumptious tofu recipe:
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Arduous tofu or agency tofu – As described within the above part. Discover it at on a regular basis grocery shops or Asian shops.
Sesame seeds – For the crispy coating. I exploit a mix of white and black seeds for visible curiosity. You should utilize only one or the opposite, for those who choose.
You will have 8 tablespoons of sesame seeds to coat 4 x 100g / 3.5oz steaks. It will appear to be loads, however belief me, you’ll use all of it. We’re speaking a giant hit of sesame flavour right here – and also you’ll find it irresistible!
Egg and flour – To stay the sesame seeds to the tofu. Egg is the final word meals glue!
For the Teriyaki Sauce
Soy sauce – I exploit Kikkoman for all my Japanese cooking. It’s essentially the most well-known Japanese soy model and a very good all rounder. Japanese soy is barely sweeter and extra delicate in flavour than Chinese language gentle soy sauce, however the latter will do in a pinch. In any other case use some other general-purpose soy sauce.
DO NOT use something labelled “darkish soy sauce” or “candy soy sauce” (it’s going to spoil teriyaki sauce!).
Mirin – Syrupy and golden colored, mirin is a closely sweetened kind of rice wine with a deep flavour. It options regularly in Japanese meals, introducing sweetness to dishes and when diminished offers glazes like teriyaki their sheen. Good manufacturers embody Takara, Manjo and Hinode.
Keep away from very low-cost mirin that’s not made in Japan which is often an imitation product (similar to Obento model extensively out there right here in Australia).
Cooking sake – Rice wine is used liberally in Japanese cooking so as to add umami and depth. Don’t hassle losing that boutique consuming sake you lugged all the way in which again from Japan for cooking, although! Cooking sake is less expensive and completely acceptable to be used, and as of late extensively out there even at grocery shops.
Garnishes
Garlic – Finely sliced then fried in slightly oil till crispy and golden, that is for slightly tasty garnish on the tofu steaks.
Bonus: It flavours the oil we use to pan fry the sesame steaks.
Shortcut: Use retailer purchased crispy fried shallots. Common readers know my pantry is rarely with out!
Inexperienced onion – So as to add slightly sprinkle of color to an in any other case reasonably monochromatic dish! 😎
Right here’s learn how to make tofu steaks that may simply make you shout for the primary time ever, “I TOTALLY LOVE TOFU!”
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Slice tofu (see picture additional up) – Slice tofu into “steaks” about 1.5cm / 0.6″ thick. Blocks come in several sizes however don’t get hung up on the proportions of your tofu. The thickness is extra necessary.
Coat in sesame seeds – Coat tofu in flour first, guaranteeing all the floor is roofed. Shake off extra flour, then dip into crushed egg. As you take away it from the egg, let the surplus drip off earlier than inserting right into a bowl with the sesame seeds.
Press to stick then both cowl the floor with sesame seeds (spoon it over or use fingers), or flip and press. Repeat with remaining tofu steaks.
Golden garlic – Cook dinner the garlic slices in slightly oil till golden and crispy. Don’t let it get too brown else it’s going to change into bitter. Skinny garlic slices burn in a flash so we’re utilizing a medium-low warmth right here, to be protected.
Take away garlic to paper towels to empty. Depart the tasty garlic-flavoured oil within the skillet for the tofu.
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Pan-fry tofu – Crank up the warmth to medium-high, then add tofu steaks. Cook dinner the primary aspect till you possibly can see the white sesame seeds flip golden and crispy which takes round 1 1/2 minutes. You’ll additionally odor the sesame flavour and if you go to show it, you’ll really feel that the sesame crust has adhered properly to the tofu floor.
The crust could be set, however this isn’t a licence to man-handle the tofu! So flip with care.
Sear edges – Cook dinner the opposite aspect for about 90 seconds too, till crispy. Then use tongs to face the tofu steaks up on their edge to make the edges crispy. You solely want about 30 seconds on every of the perimeters.
Take away the tofu steaks straight onto serving plates or one serving platter as I do. Now we’re going to make the Teriyaki sauce in the identical skillet.
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Non-obligatory – discard free sesame seeds: If you’re taking photographs of your dinner (oh wait, is that simply me? 😂), you possibly can choose to pressure the oil to take away free sesame seeds earlier than returning the oil into the skillet. This fashion, your Teriyaki Sauce will probably be debris-free. However that is fully optionally available! I don’t do that on Monday nights. I solely did this so you understand how to make this dish “neatly”. 😇
Return oil into skillet. This tasty garlic-and-sesame flavour oil will add flavour to our Teriyaki sauce.
Right here’s how the Teriyaki Sauce is made:
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Combine and simmer – Combine the mirin, cooking sake, soy sauce and a little bit of water right into a jug. Don’t be tempted to shortcut this by pouring every sauce individually into the skillet. When a small amount of candy liquids hit a scorching skillet, it’s going to evaporate in seconds and caramelise or worse, burn! We’d like a minimal quantity of liquid to make sure this doesn’t occur. So combine the Teriyaki sauce components in a jug first then pour it into the skillet.
Syrupy – Simmer for about 1 minute till it modifications from watery to syrupy. We’re after a skinny syrup right here as a result of (a) it’s going to thicken because it cools from scorching to heat (ie. from skillet to plating as much as in your mouth); and (b) if it’s too thick, the flavour is just too robust and can overwhelm the dish.
Then instantly pour the Teriyaki Sauce over the Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks. Sprinkle with crispy garlic bits and inexperienced onion, then serve!
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
The sesame crust stays crispy for fairly a very long time even as soon as doused with the sauce. Far longer than it’s going to take so that you can serve and eat it.
Additionally, one other nice characteristic of this dish is that the Teriyaki Sauce actually clings to that sesame crust, way over you’d count on. You’ll expertise the greatness of what this implies if you take your first chunk and also you get a superb squirt of Teriyaki Sauce in your mouth if you chunk into the sesame crust!
Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks Recipe
Plain rice – There’s sufficient flavour and residual sauce right here that it may be served with any plain rice aspect. Choices: Plain white rice, jasmine, basmati, brown rice and cauliflower rice (for these of you with higher low-carb-will-power than me).
Flavoured rice – When you’re after one thing slightly extra fascinating, attempt it with a flavoured rice aspect. Fried rice or seasoned rice could be the go. Listed below are some strategies:
2 tbsp cooking sake , preferably Japanese (Note 6)
2 tbsp water
Instructions
Season tofu: Pat tofu dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Prepare crust coating: Place flour, egg and sesame in separate bowls (medium shallow bowls or tupperware best).
Sesame crust: Press tofu into flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, then let excess drip off before coat in sesame seeds, pressing to adhere all over. Repeat with remaining tofu.
Crispy garlic: Heat oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Cook tofu: Turn heat up to medium-high. Place tofu in skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until the sesame smells nutty and becomes crisp. Turn carefully and cook the other side for 1 1/2 minutes. Then use tongs to prop the tofu steaks up on its sides to sear the edges until crisp – about 30 seconds each side should do it (see video for my technique).
Drain: Remove tofu to paper towel lined plate.
Teriyaki Sauce: Lower heat to medium then add Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Simmer for 1 minute until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then remove skillet from stove.
Serve: Place tofu steak on plate. Spoon over Teriyaki Sauce (it clings to sesame, don't worry, crust stays crispy). Sprinkle with garlic and green onion. Devour, then declare, "I LOVE TOFU!!".
Notes
1. Firm tofu – Get tofu labelled as “extra firm” or “hard”. You’re after a block that feels like a rubber sponge that you can slice and handle like steak. Not the super-soft jelly-like tofu that you have to handle with care. That will fall to bits if you try to prepare it per this recipe.
Here in Australia, it’s super-handy that tofu often comes in a suitable block size such that you can just slice it and use as-is, no trimming required. Anything around the pictured size is fine. Other shapes, like batons and cubes, will also work – just more turning is required in pan.
Cooking tofu: Tofu doesn’t need to be cooked, we are just making the sesame crispy and heating tofu through.
2. Sesame seeds – Feel free to just use white or black sesame seeds. I use both for visual interest.
3. Garlic – This is to make crispy garlic bits to sprinkle on top. For a shortcut option, just use store-bought crispy shallots (Asian section of Woolies, Coles, or cheaper at Asian stores).
4. Soy sauce – I use Kikkoman for all my Japanese cooking which is the most well known brand, and an excellent all-rounder. It is slightly sweeter and more mild in flavour than Chinese light soy sauce, though that will do in a pinch. Else any other all-rounder soy sauce. DO NOT use anything labelled “dark soy sauce” or “sweet soy sauce” (it will ruin teriyaki sauce!).
5. Mirin – Syrupy and golden coloured, mirin is a heavily sweetened type of rice wine with a deep flavour. It features frequently in Japanese food, introducing sweetness to dishes and when reduced gives glazes like teriyaki their sheen. Good brands include Takara, Manjo and Hinode. Avoid very cheap mirin, which is usually an imitation product.
6. Cooking sake – Rice wine used liberally in Japanese cooking to add umami and depth. Don’t bother wasting that boutique drinking sake you lugged all the way back from Japan for cooking, though! Cooking sake is much cheaper and perfectly acceptable for use, and these days widely available even at grocery stores.
7. Make ahead – Best made fresh so the sesame coating is crispy and toasty. It does stay crispy for a day or so (without sauce on it) but it really is best freshly made. Can resurrect with a quick pan fry to reheat.
8. Nutrition per serving, 1 tofu steak plus sauce.
Did You Make This Recipe?
How you went with my recipes? Tag me on Instagram at @PenciDesign.
Share your love
Sarah Miller
Hi, I’m Sarah Millar!
I’m a food blogger who loves creating quick and easy recipes that bring big flavor without the fuss. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — and I’m here to share simple, fast food ideas that anyone can make at home. When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll usually find me tasting new dishes, exploring cafés, or coming up with fresh food hacks to make everyday meals more fun.
