Its a recipe thatll change anybodys mind about tofu!
Crispy Sesame-Crusted Tofu Steaks
Lets get the uncomfortable truth about tofu out of the way.
For many people, tofu looks weird.
I use black and white sesame seeds for visual interest. But you can just use one type.
And has a strange texture they struggle with.
Like tofu bolognese and tofu cottage pie no!
Or they attempt to convince you that tofu cheesecake is totally a thing and stacks up to thereal deal.
I use black and white sesame seeds for visual interest. But you can just use one type.
*She ducks as vegans everywhere throw rotten tomatoes at her.
*
So whats the point of tofu, one might ask?
Because when prepared well, it IS delicious.
That crispy sesame crust! SWOON!
Its one of the worlds greatest sources of plant-based proteins.
Today then is a simple recipe designed to make the most of tofu.
We cut the tofu into steaks, coat it with sesame seeds and then pan-fry until crispy.
Firm tofu used for Tofu Steaks
You literally get a squirt of Teriyaki Sauce in your mouth with every bite and we love it!
Best Tofu for Tofu Steaks
Tofu is widely available these days.
It must be able to be sliced, coated in sesame seeds and pan fried.
Notice how it’s firm enough to slice into “steaks”
It is sold labelled either as firm tofu or hard tofu.
If the labels confuse you, its easy to tell just by picking up the packet.
Here is one brand of hard tofu that I use.
Find it at everyday grocery stores or Asian stores.
Sesame seeds For the crispy coating.
I use a combination of white and black seeds for visual interest.
you’ve got the option to use just one or the other, if you prefer.
You will need 8 tablespoons of sesame seeds to coat 4 x 100g / 3.5oz steaks.
This will seem like a lot, but trust me, you will use it all.
Were talking a big hit of sesame flavour here and youll love it!
Egg and flour To stick the sesame seeds to the tofu.
Egg is the ultimate food glue!
For the Teriyaki Sauce
Soy sauce I use Kikkoman for all my Japanese cooking.
Its the most well-known Japanese soy brand and an excellent all rounder.
Otherwise use any other general-purpose soy sauce.
DO NOTuse anything labelled dark soy sauce or sweet soy sauce (it will ruin teriyaki sauce!).
Good brands include Takara, Manjo and Hinode.
Cooking sake Rice wine is used liberally in Japanese cooking to add umami and depth.
Dont bother wasting that boutique drinking sake you lugged all the way back from Japan for cooking, though!
Bonus:It flavours the oil we use to pan fry the sesame steaks.
Shortcut: Use store bought crispy fried shallots.
Regular readers know my pantry is never without!
Green onion To add a little sprinkle of colour to an otherwise rather monochromatic dish!
Slice tofu(see photo further up) Slice tofu into steaks about 1.5cm / 0.6 thick.
Blocks come in different sizes but dont get hung up on the proportions of your tofu.
The thickness is more important.
Coat in sesame seeds Coat tofu in flour first, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Shake off excess flour, then dip into beaten egg.
Repeat with remaining tofu steaks.
Golden garlic Cook the garlic slices in a little oil until golden and crispy.
Dont let it get too brown else it will become bitter.
Thin garlic slices burn in a flash so were using a medium-low heat here, to be safe.
Remove garlicto paper towels to drain.
Leave the tasty garlic-flavoured oil in the skillet for the tofu.
Pan-fry tofu Crank up the heat to medium-high, then add tofu steaks.
The crust might be set, but this is not a licence to man-handle the tofu!
So turn with care.
Sear edges Cook the other side for about 90 seconds too, until crispy.
Then use tongs to stand the tofu steaks up on their edge to make the sides crispy.
You only need about 30 seconds on each of the edges.
Removethe tofu steaks straight onto serving plates or one serving platter as I do.
Now were going to make the Teriyaki sauce in the same skillet.
This way, your Teriyaki Sauce will be debris-free.
But this is entirely optional!
I do not do this on Monday nights.
I only did this so you know how to make this dish neatly.
This tasty garlic-and-sesame flavour oil will add flavour to our Teriyaki sauce.
Dont be tempted to shortcut this by pouring each sauce individually into the skillet.
We need a minimum volume of liquid to ensure this does not happen.
So mix the Teriyaki sauce ingredients in a jug first then pour it into the skillet.
Syrupy Simmer for about 1 minute until it changes from watery to syrupy.
Then immediately pour the Teriyaki Sauce over the Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks.
Sprinkle with crispy garlic bits and green onion, then serve!
Mmm, that Teriyaki Sauce-soaked sesame crust …
The sesame crust stays crispy for quite a long time even once doused with the sauce.
Far longer than it will take for you to serve and eat it.
Flavoured rice If youre after something a little more interesting, try it with a flavoured rice side.
Fried rice or seasoned rice would be the go.
Here are some suggestions:
Greens As for some vegetables, a Japanese Slaw would be totally on-theme here.
How did it take me 6 whole years to get here??
I still get the pitiful what did I do wrong, dont you love me anymore look.
Prevent screen from sleeping
