Pin It A flavorful, budget-friendly vegetarian dish featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a savory sesame sauce served over steamed rice.
I first made this sesame tofu & broccoli for a simple dinner, and it instantly became one of our favorites. The balance of textures and the savory sauce always wins rave reviews.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu (400 g): Drained and pressed for crispiness
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Used to marinate tofu and flavor the sauce
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp total): 1 tbsp for tofu coating, 1 tbsp for sauce thickening with 2 tbsp water
- Sesame oil (2 tbsp total): 1 tbsp for tofu cooking, 1 tbsp toasted for the sauce
- Broccoli (1 large head): Cut into florets (about 350 g)
- Carrots (2 medium, optional): Thinly sliced
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced
- Fresh ginger (1 tbsp): Grated
- Maple syrup or honey (2 tbsp): To sweeten the sauce
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): For tang in the sauce
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp + for garnish): Adds crunch and flavor
- Uncooked jasmine or long-grain rice (250 g / 1 1/4 cups): Served as the base
- Water (500 ml / 2 cups): To cook rice
- Salt (1/2 tsp): For rice
- Spring onions (2): Sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. Combine with water and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 12 until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Cut pressed tofu into 2 cm cubes. In a bowl toss tofu with soy sauce then sprinkle with cornstarch mixing until evenly coated.
- Cook the Tofu:
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook turning occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides (about 8 minutes). Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables:
- In the same pan add broccoli and carrots. Stir-fry for 3 4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger then cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce maple syrup/honey rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil. Add to pan with vegetables and stir well.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats vegetables (about 2 minutes).
- Combine and Serve:
- Return tofu to pan and toss gently. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Spoon rice into bowls top with sesame tofu and broccoli. Garnish with spring onions and extra sesame seeds.
Pin It My family asks for this sesame tofu & broccoli at least twice a month. It brings everyone together for a healthy hassle-free meal that everyone can personalize.
Required Tools
Saucepan for rice a large nonstick skillet or wok mixing bowls knife cutting board and spatula are all you need to whip up this dish quickly.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains soy and sesame and is free of dairy and egg. Check ingredient labels for allergens and opt for tamari if gluten is a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers around 370 calories with 12 g total fat 49 g carbohydrates and 15 g protein making it light yet satisfying.
Pin It Serve this sesame tofu & broccoli hot over rice and enjoy a healthy dinner that comes together quickly. Customize with your favorite veggies for endless delicious variations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve crispy tofu in this dish?
Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, then coating it lightly with cornstarch before pan-frying in sesame oil ensures a golden, crisp exterior.
- → Can I substitute the broccoli for other vegetables?
Yes, cauliflower or bell peppers can be used as alternatives to broccoli for varied texture and flavor.
- → What type of rice works best here?
Jasmine or long-grain rice is recommended for its light, fluffy texture that pairs well with the savory sauce.
- → How is the sesame sauce thickened?
A slurry made from cornstarch and water is added towards the end, thickening the sauce to coat tofu and vegetables perfectly.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are dairy-free, making it appropriate for those avoiding dairy products.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Adding chili flakes or sriracha during cooking provides extra heat and depth of flavor.