Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice

This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is a vibrant, budget-friendly stir-fry that combines golden, crunchy tofu with an aromatic sesame-ginger sauce. Inspired by TikTok food trends, this dish is a satisfying vegetarian dinner that transforms humble leftover rice into a restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes.

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The secret to this dish lies in the balance of flavors. Fresh ginger and garlic provide a punchy base, while a blend of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar creates a sauce that is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. It is a fantastic way to pack plenty of vegetables and plant-based protein into your diet.

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (thawed)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old jasmine or long grain rice)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Reserved sliced green onion tops (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Cut the pressed tofu into 1.5 cm (1/2-inch) cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until well coated.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu to a plate and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add bell pepper and peas/carrot mix. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Step 6

Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until rice is heated through and starting to crisp.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha (if using), and 1 tsp sesame seeds.

Step 8

Pour sauce over the rice and toss well to coat. Return crispy tofu to the pan and gently mix through.

Step 9

Remove from heat. Top with toasted sesame seeds and green onion tops. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use day-old jasmine rice as it has less moisture and fries better than freshly cooked rice. If you are looking for an even crunchier texture, you can double-fry the tofu or use an air fryer to achieve that signature golden finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly flexible; feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas as desired. To make the dish fully vegan, simply use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce and verify all other sauce ingredients.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this flavorful fried rice hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onion tops. For a complete dining experience, pair it with a light, crisp Riesling or a refreshing glass of iced green tea.

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This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice is a crowd-pleasing dish that offers a beautiful mix of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you are meal prepping or hosting a casual dinner, this simple stir-fry is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Recipe FAQ

→ Why use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice has dried out slightly, which prevents it from becoming mushy during stir-frying. The grains separate easily and develop a pleasant texture when heated. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and won't achieve that signature fried rice consistency.

→ How do I get tofu really crispy?

Press your tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, then coat it in cornstarch before cooking. Use medium-high heat and don't overcrowd the pan—let the tofu cubes cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to develop that golden, crispy exterior before flipping.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which provides the same savory flavor without gluten. Always check your other ingredients, particularly sauces and condiments, to ensure they're certified gluten-free.

→ What vegetables work best in this dish?

The combination of peas, carrots, and bell pepper provides color and sweetness, but you can easily add broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded cabbage, or baby corn. Just adjust cooking times so vegetables stay tender-crisp rather than mushy.

→ How can I add more protein?

Beyond the 13 grams of protein already provided by the tofu, you can add edamame, scrambled eggs, or sliced cashews. For non-vegetarians, diced chicken or shrimp work beautifully with the sesame-ginger flavors.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as the tofu will lose its crispiness.