Name: Sesame Butter Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 14 oz block extra firm tofu (drained and pressed); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter ((salted) ); 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste); 2 tsp maple syrup; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp grated ginger (or ginger pase); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onions (for garnish); Cooked rice or noodles (for serving); Cooked broccoli and/or red pepper (for serving )

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This Sesame Butter Tofu just might be your new favorite tofu recipe with a mouthwatering sesame butter sauce. The sauce is a savory blend of soy sauce, tahini, a hint of butter, and garlic and ginger.

What you’ll love about this:

Easy – The sauce comes together in no-time! Simply pan-fry your tofu then caramelize the tofu with the sauce.
Flavorful – The sesame butter sauce is absolutely delicious! It’s rich and creamy with a little nutty flavor.
Healthy–
Vegan, dairy-free, & gluten-free

You will also love…

Tofu lovers need to try out my super popular miso tofu with a flavorful miso marinade!
If you love that sesame flavor, try out my insanely delicious sesame ginger chickpeas.
If you like peanut butter, try out my peanut tofu stir fry! It’s one of my favorite recipes since I went plant-based 7 years ago.

Ingredients

Extra firm tofu – This will create the best textured tofu.
Sesame oil – This will be used to pan-fry the tofu
Tahini – Add more creamy, sesame flavor.
Garlic & ginger – Use fresh, if possible.
Melted vegan butter – You only need a small amount of vegan butter (I used Country Crock’s plant butter). A little goes a long way in flavor-boosting this recipe.

See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

How to Make Sesame Butter Tofu

Step 1: Press and drain your tofu. Cut into cubes (or whatever size you like).

Step 2: In a medium or large pan, warm sesame oil over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown to your liking.

Step 3: While the tofu is cooking, mix together your marinade sauce in a small bowl.

Step 4: Turn the heat down to low. Pour sauce over the tofu and combine. Warm tofu with sauce for a few minutes then serve!

How to Store Leftovers

Store this sesame butter tofu in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Meal prep idea: Make a large batch of this tofu with rice and stir-fry veggies. Prepare in separate containers and enjoy throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

What to Serve with Sesame Tofu

Serve with white or brown rice (or another grain you like!)
Add some stir–fried veggies on the side or make some roasted veggies (like broccoli & zucchini)
This sesame butter tofu is great in pasta like my miso peanut noodles.
For a healthy lunch, add the tofu on top of a salad like my Spring Mix salad or mixed into the a refreshing quinoa salad.

Can I make this tofu in the air fryer?

Yes, that is a great oil-free option. Air fry at 400 F for 12-15 minutes or until golden to your liking.

What can I use instead of tahini?

You can use peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Pro Tips ✔️

Pan-fry vs. bake vs. air fry – If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake your tofu for 20-25 minutes at 400F or air fry for 12-15 minutes. FYI – pan-frying will taste the best and only requires ~1 tbsp of sesame oil (and contributes to the sesame butter taste!) but the oil-free options will also be amazing!

⇨ More Amazing Tofu Recipes⇦

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Sesame Butter Tofu