Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice

Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the delivery fee? This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is a vibrant, budget-friendly stir-fry that brings the flair of TikTok-inspired cooking right to your kitchen. Featuring golden cubes of tofu and a glossy sesame-ginger sauce, it's the perfect way to transform humble leftover rice into a satisfying, flavorful vegetarian dinner.

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Fried rice is the ultimate canvas for busy weeknights, but the secret to this version lies in the texture. By pressing the tofu and coating it in cornstarch before pan-frying, you achieve a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the aromatic blend of fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. It's a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet remains light and healthy.

Ingredients

• Tofu: 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu (drained and pressed), 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (thawed), 1 small red bell pepper (diced), 3 green onions (white and green parts separated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• Rice: 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old jasmine or long grain rice)
• Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional), 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Garnish: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, reserved sliced green onion tops

Instructions

Step 1

Cut the pressed tofu into 1.5 cm (1/2-inch) cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until well coated.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add bell pepper and peas/carrot mix. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Step 6

Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until rice is heated through and starting to crisp.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha (if using), and 1 tsp sesame seeds.

Step 8

Pour sauce over the rice and toss well to coat. Return crispy tofu to the pan and gently mix through.

Step 9

Remove from heat. Top with toasted sesame seeds and green onion tops. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the ultimate crunch, you can double-fry the tofu or use an air fryer to achieve an extra-crispy exterior. Always use day-old jasmine or long-grain rice; the lower moisture content in cold rice ensures the grains stay separate and get that signature "fried" texture without becoming mushy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this stir-fry by adding other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. To make the dish fully vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave. For those with gluten sensitivities, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice hot, paired with a light Riesling or a refreshing iced green tea to balance the savory notes. If you enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to drizzle extra sriracha or chili paste over the top before serving.

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This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is proof that a nutritious and vibrant meal doesn't have to be complicated. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry!

Kitchen Guide

→ Why use day-old rice?

Cold, day-old rice has dried out slightly, which prevents clumping and helps individual grains crisp up during stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can become mushy.

→ How do I get tofu really crispy?

Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, coat evenly in cornstarch, and cook in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Let each side develop a golden crust before turning. For extra crunch, double-fry or finish in an air fryer.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely. Broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded cabbage, baby corn, or sliced mushrooms work beautifully. Aim for about 2-3 cups total vegetables, cutting them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

→ Is this gluten-free?

Yes, with one simple swap: replace soy sauce with tamari. Verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially condiments like sriracha.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Already dairy-free, simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The result stays just as delicious and naturally sweetened.

→ How long does this keep?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or microwave until steaming hot. The tofu will soften slightly but remains tasty.