Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice (Printable)

Golden-crisp tofu with aromatic fried rice in a savory soy-sesame-ginger sauce. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crispy Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Fried Rice

05 - 3 cups cold cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, preferably day-old
06 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small onion, finely diced
09 - 2 scallions, sliced with whites and greens separated
10 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil

→ Soy-Sesame-Ginger 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 fresh ginger, grated
15 - 1½ tablespoons maple syrup or honey
16 - 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, optional

→ Garnish and Serving

17 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
18 - Extra sliced scallion greens

# Method:

01 - Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, maple syrup, and Sriracha if using. Set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons 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.
04 - Add cold rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Return crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour sauce over everything and toss well to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
05 - Transfer to plates or bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra scallion greens.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Golden-crisp tofu provides a satisfying texture without deep-frying.
  • Uses leftover rice for a quick and eco-friendly dinner.
  • Aromatic soy-sesame-ginger sauce balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
  • Vegetarian and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
02 -
  • Always toss tofu with cornstarch just before cooking to prevent it from becoming gummy.
  • Break up clumps of cold rice by hand before adding them to the skillet for even heat distribution.
  • For a gluten-free meal, replace regular soy sauce with tamari.
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