Save Discover the perfect balance of texture and flavor with this Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice. A vibrant, budget-friendly stir-fry featuring golden-crisp tofu, leftover rice, and an aromatic soy–sesame–ginger sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal inspired by TikTok favorites. Ready in just 40 minutes, it transforms simple staples into a restaurant-quality Asian-inspired feast.
Save The key to this recipe is achieving the perfect crunch on the tofu by coating it in cornstarch and searing it until golden. Combined with the zing of fresh ginger and the depth of toasted sesame oil, every bite offers a satisfying explosion of flavor that will make this a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into 2 cm (¾-inch) cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower), divided
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups cold, cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 scallions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1½ tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
- Extra sliced scallion greens (for serving)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the crispy tofu
- Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy (about 8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- 2. Make the sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, maple syrup (or honey), and Sriracha if using. Set aside.
- 3. Stir-fry the rice
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp oil. Sauté the onion and scallion whites for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then stir in thawed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
- 4. Combine and finish
- Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss well to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- 5. Serve
- Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra scallion greens.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your tofu is well-pressed using a tofu press or heavy pan to remove excess moisture before cubing. Using cold, day-old rice is essential as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy during the stir-fry process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe strictly vegan, ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey. For extra crunch and nutrition, feel free to add diced bell pepper or shredded cabbage. If you want to vary the protein, you can swap the tofu for tempeh or edamame.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty fried rice is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cold cucumber salad for a refreshing side. If you prefer a gluten-free meal, always use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check all sauce labels for allergens.
Save With 410 calories and 16g of protein per serving, this Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is as nourishing as it is delicious. Enjoy this easy, plant-based dinner that brings a burst of Asian-inspired flavor to your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Why use day-old rice for fried rice?
Cold, day-old rice has dried out slightly, which prevents it from becoming mushy during stir-frying. The grains stay separate and develop that perfect slightly chewy texture you find in restaurant fried rice.
- → How do I get tofu really crispy?
Press your tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then coat cubes in cornstarch before frying. Cook in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, and don't flip too frequently—let each side develop a golden crust before turning.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute tamari for regular soy sauce. All other ingredients, including cornstarch and rice vinegar, are naturally gluten-free. Always check your condiment labels to be certain.
- → What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?
Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) are convenient and add great color. For fresh options, try bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or shredded cabbage. Add hearty vegetables earlier and delicate ones like pea pods near the end.
- → Can I prep components ahead of time?
Absolutely! Press and cut the tofu up to a day ahead, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Mix the sauce in advance and refrigerate. Having prepped ingredients makes the actual cooking time just about 15 minutes.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot throughout. The tofu may lose some crispiness but will still be delicious.