Crispy Maple Tofu (Printable)
Crispy glazed tofu with crunchy sesame slaw. Sweet, spicy, and ready in 40 minutes.
# List of ingredients:
→ Crispy Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 - 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
→ Spicy Maple Glaze
06 - 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
07 - 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
08 - 1 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce
09 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Sesame Slaw
12 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage (about 4 oz)
13 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage (about 2 oz)
14 - 1 cup shredded carrots (about 3 oz)
15 - 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
16 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
17 - 1/4 cup rice vinegar
18 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
19 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
20 - 1 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
21 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Serving
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
23 - Lime wedges
# Steps:
01 - Pat tofu cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss tofu with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until combined. Pour the glaze into the same skillet over medium heat. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
03 - Return crispy tofu to the pan with the thickened glaze. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, sliced spring onions, and toasted sesame seeds. In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and salt to make the dressing. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss thoroughly to combine.
05 - Divide the sesame slaw among four bowls or plates. Top generously with spicy maple-glazed tofu. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between that sticky sweet spicy glaze and the sharp crunch of sesame slaw is genuinely addictive.
- This is the recipe that converts people who swear they hate tofu.
02 -
- Crowding the pan when frying tofu will steam it instead of crisping, so work in batches if needed.
- The glaze thickens fast once it starts bubbling, so have your tofu ready to go back in.
03 -
- Save the tofu marinade from pressing and add it to stir fries later for extra flavor.
- Leftover glazed tofu makes an incredible next day sandwich with some of the slaw piled on top.