Description
Delicious and crispy Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks served with a homemade Teriyaki sauce, perfect as a savory vegetarian main dish. The tofu is coated in a crunchy blend of white and black sesame seeds, pan-fried to golden perfection, and topped with a rich and flavorful teriyaki glaze, garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Steaks
- 4 extra firm or hard tofu slices, cut into 10 x 5 x 1.5 cm each (4 x 2 x 0.6 inches), about 100g / 3.5oz each
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp plain/all purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- 4 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 4 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1mm thick (optional)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, preferably Japanese all-purpose or light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin, preferably Japanese
- 2 tbsp cooking sake, preferably Japanese
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 green onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu slices to remove excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides of each tofu slice with salt and pepper.
- Coat the tofu: Dredge each tofu slice in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the lightly whisked egg to fully coat. Then press each slice evenly into a mixture of white and black sesame seeds, ensuring a thick crust forms on both sides.
- Cook the tofu: Heat canola or vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Place the sesame-crusted tofu slices into the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu and garlic from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, mirin, cooking sake, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to reduce slightly and thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Return the tofu slices and sautéed garlic to the skillet, spooning the teriyaki sauce over them to coat. Heat through for another minute, then transfer to serving plates. Garnish with finely sliced green onions. Serve hot as a flavorful vegetarian main dish.
Notes
- Use extra firm or hard tofu for best results to ensure the slices hold their shape during cooking.
- Using both white and black sesame seeds creates a beautiful contrast and intense sesame flavor; don’t skimp on the amount.
- Press the tofu well before cooking to remove moisture, so the crust adheres properly and the tofu crisps nicely.
- For authentic flavor, use Japanese-style soy sauce, mirin, and sake, but substitutes can be used if unavailable.
- Garlic is optional but adds additional aroma and flavor to the dish.