Sticky Garlic Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Rice

Vegetarian

Asian-inspired

Easy weeknight dinner

This dish looks like crispy golden tofu cubes coated in a rich, glossy, sweet-and-savory garlic soy sauce, tossed with red bell peppers and fresh green onions. It’s served with fluffy steamed white rice.

Here’s a homemade version that recreates the look and flavor!

Crispy Sesame Tofu Stir Fry in 15 Minutes Delight – Recipe Website

Honey Soy Glazed Tofu Simple and Flavorful Recipe – Recipe Website

Golden Crispy Tofu with Sesame Stir-Fry

9

Recipe details

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1. For the crispy tofu

  • 600 g extra-firm tofu
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2. For the vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)
  • 4 spring onions, sliced diagonally
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

3. For the sticky garlic sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or regular vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup water

4. For the sauce thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

5. For serving

  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
  • 3 cups water (adjust according to rice type)
  • Extra spring onions for garnish

Instructions

Air Fryer Peanut Tofu With Stir-Fried Vegetables

cutco.com

Step 1: Prepare the tofu

  1. Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels.
  2. Place something moderately heavy on top for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  3. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  4. Place the cubes in a bowl.
  5. Add cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  6. Toss gently until every piece is lightly coated.

Tofu sauté à l’asiatique, sauce soja et légumes

recetteproteine.fr

Step 2: Fry the tofu

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add tofu cubes in a single layer.
  3. Fry for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side.
  4. Turn until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Remove the tofu and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to get beautifully crispy tofu.

Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet – SoyRice Kitchen

soyrice.com

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  1. Soy sauce
  2. Honey or brown sugar
  3. Sweet chili sauce
  4. Rice vinegar
  5. Ketchup
  6. Sesame oil
  7. Chili flakes
  8. Water

Whisk everything together until well combined.

In another small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a smooth slurry.

Step 4: Cook the vegetables

Wat staat er deze week op het menu?|Marley Spoon

marleyspoon.nl

  1. In the same pan, add a little oil if needed.
  2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger.
  3. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the red and green bell peppers.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Keep them slightly crunchy.
  6. Add some of the sliced spring onions.

Step 5: Make the sticky sauce

  1. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan.
  2. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously.
  4. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and sticky.

カリッと香ばしい!本格中華風焼き豆腐 | FoodCraft

foodcraft.app

Step 6: Add the tofu

  1. Return the crispy tofu to the pan.
  2. Toss gently until every tofu cube is coated with the sauce.
  3. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
  4. Add sesame seeds and the remaining spring onions.
  5. Turn off the heat.

Your tofu should have a beautiful deep golden-brown glaze with a slightly sticky finish.

Step 7: Cook the fluffy rice

Basmati Rice (How to cook perfect Basmati Rice) – Spice and Colour

spiceandcolour.com

  1. Wash 2 cups of rice until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. Add rice and the appropriate amount of water to a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil.
  4. Cover and cook over low heat until tender (approximately 12–15 minutes for many long-grain varieties).
  5. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes.
  6. Fluff gently with a fork.

Step 8: Assemble and serve

Crispy Sesame Tofu Stir Fry in 15 Minutes Delight – Recipe Website

spicyforkkitchen.com

  1. Spoon the sticky tofu stir-fry into a large serving bowl.
  2. Garnish with fresh sliced spring onions.
  3. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  4. Serve immediately alongside a bowl of fluffy steamed rice.

Tips for the best results

  • For extra crispy tofu: Press out as much moisture as possible before coating with cornstarch.
  • For extra sticky sauce: Add a little more cornstarch slurry.
  • For a sweeter flavor: Add another tablespoon of honey.
  • For a spicy version: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes.
  • For extra vegetables: Add broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas.
  • For the best texture: Toss the tofu in the sauce just before serving so it doesn’t become too soft.

Approximate nutritional information

Per serving, including rice:

NutrientAmount
Calories520–580 kcal
Protein22–25 g
Carbohydrates75–85 g
Fat14–18 g
Fiber3–5 g

Nutrition is estimated and varies with the tofu, oil, sauce, and rice brands used.

My recommendation: Use extra-firm tofu, honey, fresh garlic, and a little sesame oil. That combination gives you the beautiful glossy, caramelized coating and delicious sweet-savory flavor shown in the picture. Enjoy! 🍚

Sticky Garlic Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry with Rice – Recipe Card

Homemade Stir Fry Tofu with Vegetables and Rice in black bowl.

Easy Dinner

Vegetarian

Recipe Description: Crispy golden tofu tossed in a sweet, savory, sticky garlic sesame sauce with colorful bell peppers and green onions. Served with fluffy steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Recipe InformationDetails
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4
CourseDinner
CuisineAsian-Inspired
Cooking MethodStovetop
Calories550 kcal (approx.)

Ingredients

  • 600 g extra-firm tofu, cubed
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 4 spring onions, sliced
  • 2 cups uncooked rice

Instructions

  1. Press tofu to remove excess moisture and cut into cubes.
  2. Coat tofu with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet and fry tofu until golden and crispy.
  4. Mix soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and water.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger.
  6. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer.
  8. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thick and glossy.
  9. Return tofu to the skillet and toss until fully coated.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.
  11. Serve hot with freshly cooked steamed rice.

Notes

  • Use extra-firm tofu for the crispiest texture.
  • Adjust honey and chili flakes to your taste.
  • Add broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
  • Serve immediately for the best crispy tofu texture.

Get our best recipes & expert tips right into your inbox!

Join over 10k subscribers

By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy.
Tags:
Share this post:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *