Go Back
To make Better-Than-Takeout Lemon Sesame Tofu, you need: - 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch piece of ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 3 green onions, chopped - Steamed rice or quinoa, for serving - Fresh cilantro, for garnish These fresh ingredients bring a bright and tasty flavor. The tofu gives protein, while lemon adds a zesty touch. The sesame oil brings a warm, nutty flavor that rounds out the dish. If you're following a different diet, you can adjust the recipe. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you want a vegan dish, swap honey for agave syrup. You can also use other oils, like olive or avocado oil, in place of sesame oil. Garnishes can elevate your dish. Consider adding: - Chopped fresh cilantro - Sliced red chili for heat - Extra sesame seeds for crunch These garnishes not only add color but also enhance the flavor. You can mix and match based on what you like or have at home. Enjoy making this meal your own! Start by draining the tofu. Press it gently to remove excess water. This helps the tofu absorb flavors better. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Use a paper towel to pat the cubes dry. This step ensures they crisp up nicely when cooked. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get all sides golden brown and crispy. This step is key for that delightful crunch. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey or agave syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce gives the tofu its amazing flavor. Once the tofu is crispy, pour the sauce over it in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the tofu evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and soak into the tofu. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the tofu and toss to mix. Your lemon sesame tofu is now ready to serve! To make your tofu extra crispy, start with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove moisture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in cornstarch. This coating helps create that crunch. Heat sesame oil in a hot skillet. Cook the tofu in a single layer. Turn the cubes as they cook. This will help them get golden all over. To keep leftovers fresh, let the tofu cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Just remember, freezing may change the texture. Serve your lemon sesame tofu over steamed rice or quinoa. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a colorful plate. Top with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for flavor. This adds a bright finish to your meal. You can also serve it with a simple salad or soup for a fuller dinner. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free meal, tamari is your friend. Tamari works just like soy sauce but is made without wheat. You can find it in most grocery stores. Just swap the soy sauce for tamari in your recipe. This will keep all the great flavors intact and make it safe for gluten-free diets. For a vegan twist, I suggest using agave syrup instead of honey. Agave is a plant-based sweetener that adds a nice touch to your sauce. It mixes well with lemon juice and garlic, just like honey does. This way, you can enjoy the same taste while sticking to your vegan choices. Want to boost the health factor? Add some veggies! Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Just chop them up and toss them in with the tofu. Cook them for a few minutes before adding the sauce. This way, you'll add color and nutrients to your meal. Plus, it makes your dish even more delicious! To store leftover lemon sesame tofu, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the tofu fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have sauce left, keep it in a separate container. This helps maintain the tofu's texture. To reheat the tofu and keep it crispy, use a skillet. Heat a small amount of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Turn the tofu gently to warm it evenly. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. If you want to save lemon sesame tofu for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled tofu in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to separate the sauce if you want to freeze it too. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The best type of tofu for this dish is firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking. It absorbs the sauce nicely, giving you a great texture. You can also use extra-firm tofu for an even chewier bite. Avoid soft or silken tofu, as they will break apart too easily. Yes, you can make this dish spicy! To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also mix in chili paste or sriracha. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This way, you control the spice level. The heat will balance well with the lemon's brightness. To adjust for fewer servings, simply cut the ingredient amounts in half. For instance, use 7 oz of tofu and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This keeps the flavors balanced. If you want to change the servings more, just scale down the recipe as needed. Make sure to taste along the way! This blog post covered everything you need for Lemon Sesame Tofu. You learned about the main ingredients and tasty options for special diets. I shared easy steps to prep and cook the tofu perfectly. Helpful tips showed how to store leftovers and keep them crispy. We also explored yummy variations and answered common questions about the dish. Now, you have the tools to make a great meal. Enjoy your cooking!

Better-Than-Takeout Lemon Sesame Tofu

Indulge in a delicious and healthy meal with this Better-Than-Takeout Lemon Sesame Tofu recipe! Perfectly crispy tofu tossed in a tangy lemon sauce makes for a quick and satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Don’t miss out—click through to discover this tasty recipe and learn how to impress your taste buds with homemade takeout bliss!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed

1/4 cup cornstarch

3 tablespoons sesame oil

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch piece of ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

3 green onions, chopped

Steamed rice or quinoa, for serving

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

    In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.

      Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey or agave syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create your sauce.

          Once the tofu is crispy, pour the sauce over the tofu in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the tofu evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

            Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the tofu and toss to combine. Remove from heat.

              Serve the lemon sesame tofu over steamed rice or quinoa, topped with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro as garnish.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4