Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice (Printable)

Golden tofu cubes with colorful vegetables in aromatic sesame-ginger coating over cold rice

# What You'll Need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
07 - 3 green onions, sliced with white and green parts separated
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Rice

10 - 4 cups cold cooked jasmine or long grain rice, preferably day-old

→ Sauce

11 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
15 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste, optional
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

→ Garnish

17 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
18 - Reserved sliced green onion tops

# Method:

01 - Cut pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same pan, add additional oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onion for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add diced bell pepper and peas and carrot mix. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
05 - Add cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through and begins to crisp.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sriracha if using, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.
07 - Pour sauce over rice and toss well to coat. Return crispy tofu to the pan and gently fold through.
08 - Remove from heat. Top with toasted sesame seeds and reserved green onion tops. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and leftover rice.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets.
  • Texture-rich: Combines crispy tofu with tender-crisp vegetables and fluffy rice.
02 -
  • Ensure the tofu is pressed thoroughly to remove excess water, which helps it crisp up beautifully.
  • Keep the heat medium-high in the wok to sear the rice rather than steaming it.
  • Prep all ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves very quickly once the heat is on.
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