Sesame Tofu

Sesame Tofu Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish with Sesame Seed Sauce

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sesame tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. The combination of crispy tofu coated in sesame seeds and flavorful marinade makes for a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, with records of its consumption dating back to ancient China. Sesame tofu, specifically, is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, where sesame seeds are commonly used in cooking for their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) firm tofu
1 cup sesame seeds, ground in blender
0.67 cup all-purpose flour
Marinade
0.33 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup oil
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ginger
2 tsp granulated sugar

How to prepare

Cut the tofu into cubes measuring 0.75 inches or slices that are 0.25 inches thick. Marinate the tofu in the Marinade mixture for 2 hours.
Coat the tofu with a mixture of sesame seeds and flour. Fry it in oil until browned. Serve it hot with rice.

Variations

Add some heat to the marinade by including a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce.
Substitute the sesame seeds with crushed peanuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before marinating it to remove excess moisture and allow it to absorb the flavors of the marinade better.

- Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to fry the tofu to ensure that it gets crispy and golden brown.

- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the tofu, as this can cause it to steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame tofu can be served with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. It pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the tofu before marinating it helps to remove excess moisture and allows it to absorb the flavors of the marinade better.

- Frying the tofu in oil until golden brown creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tofu in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying it. This allows the tofu to absorb the flavors of the marinade even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sesame tofu on a bed of steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sesame tofu pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of chilled sake or green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sesame tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the tofu in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sesame tofu contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sesame tofu contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sesame tofu contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sesame tofu contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame tofu is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential minerals for bone health and overall well-being.

Alergens

Sesame tofu contains soy and sesame seeds, which are common allergens. It is important to check for allergies before consuming this dish.

Summary

Sesame tofu is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.

Summary

Sesame tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Sesame Tofu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl fascinated by the art of cooking. My love for food and flavors had already blossomed, thanks to my mother who was a wonderful cook herself. But this recipe, this Sesame Tofu, was something entirely new and exciting to me.

I had been flipping through an old cookbook that had belonged to my grandmother when I stumbled upon a worn page with a recipe for Sesame Tofu. The ingredients were simple - tofu, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic - but the flavors sounded so exotic and intriguing to me. I knew right then and there that I had to try making it.

I gathered the ingredients from our pantry and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions on the page carefully. As the tofu sizzled in the hot pan and the aroma of sesame oil filled the air, I knew I was onto something special. When I took my first bite of the finished dish, I was amazed by how the nutty flavor of the sesame oil complemented the subtle sweetness of the tofu. It was a flavor combination unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Sesame Tofu became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for my family and friends, who were always impressed by the unique and delicious dish. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. And as I honed my skills in the kitchen, I learned to appreciate the beauty of simple ingredients and timeless flavors.

But it wasn't just the taste of Sesame Tofu that kept me coming back to this recipe. It was also the memories and stories that were woven into it. I remembered the first time I made it for my husband, who declared it his new favorite dish. I remembered the time I shared it with my best friend, who asked for the recipe so she could make it for her own family. And I remembered the countless dinners where Sesame Tofu brought us all together around the table, sharing laughter and stories as we savored each bite.

As the years passed, I continued to make Sesame Tofu, each time with a renewed sense of joy and satisfaction. It had become more than just a recipe to me - it was a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and care that went into every dish I prepared. And as I shared it with others, I could see how food had the power to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection that would last a lifetime.

So now, as I sit here reflecting on all the memories and moments that Sesame Tofu has brought into my life, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. And as I continue to pass on this recipe to future generations, I know that the legacy of Sesame Tofu will live on, bringing joy and connection to all who taste its delicious flavors.