Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice

This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is a vibrant, budget-friendly stir-fry that brings the flavors of your favorite TikTok trends straight to your kitchen. Featuring golden-crisp tofu and an aromatic soy–sesame–ginger sauce, it is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

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By utilizing cold jasmine rice and a high-heat sear, this dish achieves that classic takeout texture. It is a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients like frozen vegetables and pantry staples into a complete, flavorful main dish.

Ingredients

• For the Crispy Tofu:
• 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into 2 cm (¾-inch) cubes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or sunflower)
• Pinch of salt
• For the Fried Rice:
• 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)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• For the Soy–Sesame–Ginger Sauce:
• 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)
• For Serving:
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Extra sliced scallions (green parts)

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. 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 2 tbsp oil. Sauté onion and scallion whites for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in thawed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes. Add cold rice, breaking up clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until heated through.

4. Combine and finish

Return crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour sauce over everything and toss well to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

5. Serve

Transfer to plates or bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra scallion greens.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the tofu is thoroughly pressed to remove excess moisture before frying. Using cold, day-old rice is essential to ensure the grains stay separate and achieve the perfect fried rice texture without becoming mushy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra crunch, you can add diced bell pepper or shredded cabbage to the vegetable mix. If you prefer, swap the tofu for tempeh or edamame. To make the dish fully vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish the finished dish with extra scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish. This fried rice pairs excellently with a refreshing side like a cold cucumber salad to balance the savory stir-fry flavors.

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This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is a versatile and reliable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a fast dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your rotation.

Kitchen Guide

→ Why use cold, day-old rice for fried rice?

Cold, day-old rice has lower moisture content and firmer grains that separate easily during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to become mushy and clump together, resulting in a gummy texture rather than the distinct, fluffy grains characteristic of good fried rice.

→ How do I press tofu properly?

Wrap the block of firm tofu in clean kitchen towels or paper towels, then place it between two cutting boards. Weight the top board with heavy cans or a skillet and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb more sauce and achieve a crispier texture when pan-fried.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your cornstarch and other condiments are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients—rice, tofu, vegetables, and seasonings—are naturally gluten-free.

→ What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?

Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) are convenient and budget-friendly. For fresh options, try bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, shredded cabbage, or baby corn. Add harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli earlier in the cooking process, while softer vegetables like snap peas can be added later.

→ How can I add more protein to this dish?

Beyond the 16g of protein per serving from tofu, you can add edamame, scrambled eggs, or roasted peanuts. For a non-vegetarian version, diced chicken, shrimp, or sliced pork belly work beautifully with the Asian-inspired flavors.

→ What's the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rice rubbery and the tofu soggy.