Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu

Introduction

Craving a dish that’s both satisfyingly crunchy and deliciously savory? Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu offers the ultimate plant-based alternative to fried favorites—without sacrificing any flavor or texture. This recipe transforms humble tofu into golden, irresistible nuggets using a sesame-infused coating and a simple bake in the oven. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a healthy appetizer.

Why This Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu Stands Out

With maximum crunch and a fragrant, nutty richness from sesame seeds and oil, this tofu is a far cry from the bland versions you might have tried before. Baking instead of deep frying means less oil and cleanup, yet the exterior gets perfectly crisp. The recipe also adapts easily to salads, rice bowls, or wraps, making it a versatile kitchen staple.

Essential Prep for Perfect Sesame Tofu

Start with extra-firm tofu and press out as much liquid as possible—this guarantees crispiness. Slice your tofu evenly to ensure every bite is coated and crunchy. Using a precise tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper helps you achieve neat cubes for uniform cooking.

Pour sesame oil in a bowl and coat your tofu pieces generously, then toss in sesame seeds and panko for double crunch. Don’t skip lining your pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll—it keeps the tofu from sticking and ensures extra-crisp edges.

Baking and Serving Suggestions

Arrange tofu pieces in a single layer to maximize heat exposure. Use a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet or a durable baking sheet, but always lined for easy cleanup and no sticking. For air fryer lovers, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt offers an even faster route to golden perfection.

Once baked, toss tofu with a quick homemade sesame sauce, or sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve over rice, in salads, or use the tofu as a protein-packed topping for noodles or grain bowls.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe makes about 4 servings, each offering roughly 170–200 calories and 14g of protein (without additional sauces or grains). It’s a filling, low-oil, plant-based meal base or side, perfect for nourishing, lighter dinners or nutritious meal prep.

Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu Recap

If you’re looking for a crunchy, protein-rich vegan dish that can stand up to your favorite takeout, this Crispy Baked Sesame Tofu is a must-try. With its crowd-pleasing texture and versatile flavors, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to ensure tofu won’t stick and browns evenly.
2. Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water. Cut tofu into ¾-inch cubes using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even pieces.
3. Toss tofu cubes in a mixing bowl with sesame oil and soy sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle on cornstarch and toss again, ensuring an even dusting on all sides.
4. Add panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and black pepper; gently toss to coat. For extra crunch, you can pulse your panko briefly in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender before mixing.
5. Arrange tofu in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until all sides are deeply golden and crisp.
6. If using an air fryer, place tofu in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
7. Remove and let cool for a couple minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup for sweetness (optional), top with scallions and more sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20 minutes pressing tofu)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Enjoy your perfectly crispy, nutty, and flavorful sesame tofu—ideal for mixing, matching, and meal prepping throughout the week!