Sesame Crusted Tofu Delight

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This dish brings together the nutty flavors of sesame-crusted tofu with the rich, umami goodness of teriyaki sauce. Perfect for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal, this tofu steak transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet experience. The crispy sesame crust adds texture, while the teriyaki sauce clings beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. With its golden crispiness and simple preparation, it's ideal for modern Asian-inspired dining.

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 18:12:46 GMT
A plate of food with sauce and nuts. Pin it
A plate of food with sauce and nuts. | zestplate.com

This teriyaki tofu has transformed countless skeptics into enthusiasts with its perfect balance of crispy exterior and savory flavor. The sesame crust creates a delightful textural contrast that stays crisp even when drizzled with the sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, making this dish a true weeknight winner.

I first served this to my tofu-reluctant brother who declared it the best vegetarian dish he'd ever eaten. Now it's become our Monday night tradition when we're craving something quick yet impressive.

Ingredients

  • Extra firm tofu: Provides the perfect sturdy texture for slicing into steaks
  • White sesame seeds: Offer a mild nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce
  • Black sesame seeds: Add visual appeal and a slightly more intense nuttiness
  • Mirin: Brings essential sweetness to balance the teriyaki sauce
  • Cooking sake: Adds depth and helps tenderize the tofu
  • Soy sauce: Delivers that essential umami foundation
  • Garlic slices: Fried until crisp add an irresistible aromatic element
  • Green onions: Provide fresh contrast and visual appeal

How To Make Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks

Prepare the tofu:
Begin by patting the tofu completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This crucial step ensures your crust adheres properly and prevents splattering during cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper to build flavor from the beginning.
Set up your coating station:
Arrange three shallow dishes in a row containing flour, beaten egg, and the combined sesame seeds. This assembly line approach makes the coating process efficient and less messy. Make sure your sesame seed dish is large enough to fully coat each piece.
Create the crust:
Dredge each tofu piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip completely in egg allowing extra to drip away. Finally press firmly into the sesame mixture, ensuring seeds adhere to all surfaces including the edges. The triple coating creates the perfect crust that won't fall off during cooking.
Sear to perfection:
Heat oil in a non stick skillet until shimmering. If using garlic, fry it first until golden and set aside. Cook the tofu for exactly 90 seconds per side until the seeds become fragrant and develop a beautiful golden color. Use tongs to briefly sear the edges for complete crispiness.
Make the teriyaki sauce:
In the same pan after removing the tofu, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for one minute until it reduces to a glossy consistency that will perfectly coat the tofu without making it soggy.
A plate of food with rice, meat, and vegetables. Pin it
A plate of food with rice, meat, and vegetables. | zestplate.com

My absolute favorite part is watching people take their first bite. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender interior creates this magical moment where their expression changes from skepticism to delight. My nephew calls these "ninja stars" because of their shape and color contrast.

Mastering The Perfect Teriyaki Balance

Traditional teriyaki sauce follows the Japanese cooking principle of balanced sweetness and saltiness. The equal parts formula of 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce, mirin, sake and water creates the perfect harmony without needing additional sugar. For authentic flavor, seek out Japanese varieties of these ingredients which have distinct characteristics that domestic substitutes lack.

Storage And Make-Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed immediately after cooking, these tofu steaks can be refrigerated for up to two days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. The teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored separately in an airtight container. Avoid microwaving the tofu as this will make the crust soggy.

A plate of food with sesame seeds on top. Pin it
A plate of food with sesame seeds on top. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

These tofu steaks pair beautifully with steamed short grain rice and quick pickled vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic sautéed bok choy or ginger infused green beans. The teriyaki sauce works wonderfully as a drizzle for the vegetables too, creating cohesion across the entire plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the sesame crust crispy?

Ensure the tofu is patted dry before coating with flour, egg, and sesame. Cook at medium-high heat until golden and avoid excess teriyaki sauce at serving.

→ Can I use only one type of sesame seed?

Yes, you can use either white or black sesame seeds, but a mix of both enhances flavor and presentation.

→ What can I substitute for sake in the sauce?

You can replace sake with dry sherry or additional mirin for a similar depth of flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly. Just verify that the soy sauce and other ingredients meet dietary preferences.

→ How do I make the dish gluten-free?

Swap regular flour with a gluten-free alternative and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free meal.

Sesame Crusted Tofu Teriyaki

Crispy sesame tofu paired with a savory teriyaki sauce for a delightful, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Modern Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 tofu steaks)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 extra firm or hard tofu, cut into 10 x 5 x 1.5cm slices, 100g each
02 1/4 tsp salt
03 1/4 tsp pepper
04 2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
05 1 egg, lightly whisked
06 4 tbsp white sesame seeds
07 4 tbsp black sesame seeds
08 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
09 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced, 1mm thick (optional)
10 1 green onion, finely sliced (for garnish)

→ Teriyaki Sauce

11 2 tbsp soy sauce, preferably Japanese all-purpose or light soy sauce
12 2 tbsp mirin, preferably Japanese
13 2 tbsp cooking sake, preferably Japanese
14 2 tbsp water

Instructions

Step 01

Pat tofu dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Place flour, whisked egg, and sesame seeds in separate shallow bowls.

Step 03

Press tofu slices into flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg and let excess drip off before coating in sesame seeds. Press to adhere the seeds all over. Repeat for all slices.

Step 04

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 05

Turn heat to medium-high. Place tofu slices in skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes on each side until sesame seeds become nutty and crisp. Use tongs to sear the edges of tofu for about 30 seconds each side.

Step 06

Lower heat to medium and add Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Simmer for 1 minute until it reduces to a syrupy consistency. Remove skillet from heat.

Step 07

Place tofu steaks on plates. Spoon over Teriyaki Sauce. Garnish with crispy garlic and green onion. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Sesame seeds add a nutty, crispy texture and retain their crunch even after being topped with sauce.
  2. Using extra firm tofu ensures the slices hold their shape during cooking.
  3. For the best results, use Japanese ingredients for the Teriyaki Sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Shallow bowls
  • Tongs

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, tofu)
  • Contains sesame seeds
  • Contains egg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~