Save A flavorful, budget-friendly vegetarian dish featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a savory sesame sauce, served over steamed rice.
When I first tried making sesame tofu & broccoli at home, I was surprised by how simple it was to achieve restaurant-style crispiness without deep frying. It quickly became my go-to for a healthy and satisfying dinner, especially when I want to impress family with a vegetarian meal that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- Tofu & Marinade: 400 g firm tofu, drained and pressed, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Vegetables: 1 large head broccoli (about 350 g), florets, 2 medium carrots (optional), sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) uncooked jasmine or long-grain rice, 500 ml (2 cups) water, 1/2 tsp salt
- Garnish: 2 spring onions, sliced, additional sesame seeds
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 12–15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the tofu:
- Cut the 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 heat. 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, cooking 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 the pan with the vegetables. Stir well.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables (about 2 minutes).
- Combine:
- Return tofu to the pan and toss everything together gently. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve:
- Spoon rice into bowls, top with sesame tofu and broccoli mixture. Garnish with spring onions and extra sesame seeds.
Save My family always gathers around the table when this is on the menu. Even the kids love customizing their bowls with extra sesame seeds and spring onions, making it an interactive meal everyone looks forward to each week.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap broccoli with cauliflower or add bell peppers for more color. Serve the dish over brown rice or noodles to change the base, and adjust sweetness by using maple syrup for a vegan option.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This recipe is dairy- and egg-free, suitable for most vegetarian diets, and contains 370 calories, 12 g fat, 49 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein per serving.
Serving Suggestions
Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat, or simply serve with fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast.
Save A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh spring onion brings all the flavors together. Enjoy your homemade takeout in under 40 minutes!
Kitchen Questions
- → How do you make tofu crispy without sticking?
Pressing tofu removes excess moisture. Tossing it with cornstarch before cooking and using a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- → Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Yes, cauliflower or bell peppers work well as substitutes or additions, providing color and variety while retaining a pleasant stir-fry texture.
- → What is the best rice to pair with this dish?
Jasmine or long-grain rice complements the flavors nicely with a fluffy texture that soaks up the sesame sauce perfectly.
- → How can I thicken the sauce evenly?
Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens smoothly and coats the tofu and vegetables.
- → What garnishes enhance the final dish?
Spring onions and extra toasted sesame seeds add fresh color and a subtle crunch, rounding out the dish's flavors.