Gluten-Free Pan-Fried Tofu with Savory Soy-Ginger Sauce

Crispy, golden tofu meets bold, tangy flavors in this irresistible Gluten-Free Pan-Fried Tofu with Savory Soy-Ginger Sauce. Perfectly pan-fried extra-firm tofu is coated in a light cornstarch crust, creating the ultimate crunchy texture, then tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce made with gluten-free tamari, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. A hint of heat from sambal oelek and the nutty aroma of sesame oil add layers of depth to this quick, weeknight-friendly dish. Garnished with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds, this versatile recipe can be served as a satisfying main course or a flavorful addition to your favorite Asian-inspired bowls. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a must-try for tofu lovers and anyone seeking a gluten-free, plant-based delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sambal oelek (chili paste)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 stalks scallions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top to press out excess water for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each tofu cube in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook them until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes in total.

Step 5

While tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce by grating the ginger and mincing the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce), ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sambal oelek, and sesame oil.

Step 6

Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 7

In the same pan, wipe out any excess oil and pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Add the crispy tofu back into the pan, tossing gently to coat each piece with the sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the tofu to a serving dish and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Step 10

Serve immediately as a main dish or as part of your favorite Asian-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(569.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1265.1

Total Fat 93.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1079.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.4g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 66.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2751.1mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 1220.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.0%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 15.6%