Sesame Black Pepper Crusted Tofu

Crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying, Sesame Black Pepper Crusted Tofu is the ultimate plant-based dish that combines bold spices with nutty sesame perfection. This quick and easy recipe features firm tofu marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder, then coated in a crunchy black pepper and sesame seed crust for a rich depth of flavor. Pan-fried until golden and delectably crispy, each bite delivers a peppery heat balanced by the subtle nuttiness of sesame. Ready in just 30 minutes, this protein-packed dish is perfect as a main course served over rice or noodles, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Garnished with vibrant green onions and optional chili flakes, this tofu recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious—ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz Firm tofu
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 3 tbsp Sesame seeds (white and/or black)
• 3 tbsp Cornstarch
• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 2 stalks Green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp Chili flakes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and press it for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or place the tofu between plates with a heavy object on top.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder to create the marinade.

Step 4

Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Gently toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 5

In a shallow bowl, combine black pepper, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. Mix well to create the crust mixture.

Step 6

Remove the tofu from the marinade (reserving any excess marinade) and roll each cube in the sesame-black pepper mixture until fully coated.

Step 7

Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Add the coated tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed, adding more oil as necessary.

Step 9

Once all the tofu cubes are cooked, optionally drizzle the reserved marinade over the cooked tofu in the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 10

Remove from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and chili flakes if desired.

Step 11

Serve hot as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(573.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1084.5

Total Fat 86.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 31.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1234.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 5.8g
Protein 51.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 940.8mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 1031.7mg	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: 66.4%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 16.0%