Sesame Crusted Tofu Food

CRISPY SESAME CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• To prep the tofu: Prepare the tofu by draining it, and then pressing it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I love using my Tofuture tofu press, but you can also follow these instructions for a DIY tofu pressing method. Pressing the tofu squeezes excess water out so that the tofu can suck up more of the marinade and become more flavourful. Once pressed, remove the tofu and pat dry, then cut into triangles (about 16).
• Marinate: mix together all of the sesame marinade ingredients in a sealable bag or container, then add the tofu. Let the tofu marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or as long as overnight in the fridge, flipping the tofu every now and then to ensure all sides get marinated.
• OVEN: When ready to finish the tofu, preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.AIR FRYER: When ready to finish the tofu, preheat your oven to 370F (190C).
• Crust the tofu: Grab three big bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, add the flax and water and pour in any leftover unabsorbed marinade, and mix together, the flax will thicken the mixture in 5 - 10 minutes. For the third bowl, mix the sesame seeds and panko.
• Add the tofu to the flour bowl and toss to coat. Next, coat one tofu triangle at a time in the flax mixture and then roll it in the sesame panko coating. Place the crusted tofu on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining tofu.
• OVEN: Spread the tofu out on the baking sheet so that they aren't touching, this will ensure the tofu gets crispy all the way around. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and crusty.AIR FRYER: Place the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches. Fry 16 - 20 minutes, until golden and crusty.Serve hot as a main with sides of choice, or serve as an appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce.

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick pieces (squares or rectangles - about 2x2 or 2x3). You should get between 6-8 pieces, depending on the tofu you choose. Arrange the tofu in a shallow dish (about 8X8).
• Now prepare the marinade in a small bowl. Whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour the marinade on the tofu and allow it to marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge. Flip midway through.
• While the tofu is marinating, prepare the dipping sauce. Combine the lime juice, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and red chili flakes. Whisk well to combine. Now add the green onion and gently whisk to combine. Set in the fridge. Taste and adjust flavors after it has marinated for a bit. You can add more sweetener, lime juice or tamari if it needs balancing.
• When the tofu is almost done marinating, prepare the breading station. In a shallow bowl, combine corn starch, salt & pepper. In a second shallow bowl, place the aquafaba. In a third shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs and sesame seeds.
• Pick up one piece of tofu out of the marinade, gently shake off any excess liquid, and press it into the cornstarch to coat lightly. Gently shake off excess. Now, dip it into the aquafaba and let the excess drop off. Now press the tofu into the panko breadcrumbs & sesame seeds. Press gently on all sides to coat well. Place the coated tofu piece on a plate and repeat the process until all pieces are coated. *Discard marinade.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the tofu in the pan, leaving a few inches in between each piece (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the breading is crispy and golden brown.
• Place the tofu pieces on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess moisture. Garnish the tofu with spring onions and serve with steamed rice and dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy

SESAME CRUSTED TOFU STEAKS WITH TERIYAKI SAUCE

Steps:

• Season tofu: Pat tofu dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Prepare crust coating: Place flour, egg and sesame in separate bowls (medium shallow bowls or tupperware best).
• Sesame crust: Press tofu into flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, then let excess drip off before coat in sesame seeds, pressing to adhere all over. Repeat with remaining tofu.
• Crispy garlic: Heat oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Cook tofu: Turn heat up to medium-high. Place tofu in skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until the sesame smells nutty and becomes crisp. Turn carefully and cook the other side for 1 1/2 minutes. Then use tongs to prop the tofu steaks up on its sides to sear the edges until crisp - about 30 seconds each side should do it (see video for my technique).
• Drain: Remove tofu to paper towel lined plate.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Lower heat to medium then add Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Simmer for 1 minute until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then remove skillet from stove.
• Serve: Place tofu steak on plate. Spoon over Teriyaki Sauce (it clings to sesame, don't worry, crust stays crispy). Sprinkle with garlic and green onion. Devour, then declare, "I LOVE TOFU!!".

SESAME BLACK PEPPER CRUSTED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Cut tofu into 1 inch cubes.
• Mix sesame seeds and black pepper. (any spices can be used. seeds and coarsely ground spices give a nice texture).
• Coat all sides of tofu in the mixture.
• Bake in a nonstick or lightly oiled (sesame oil is nice) backing dish for approximately 15 minutes.

SESAME TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap tofu with paper towels and place on a cutting board.
• Put a heavy plate on top to press out liquid for approximately 20 minutes.
• Stir sauce ingredients together in a saucepan.
• Simmer sauce while you cook the tofu.
• Dry drained tofu with paper towels and cube.
• Dust very lightly with cornstarch.
• Heat 1" oil in deep frying pan.
• Fry tofu in 350 degree F oil until golden brown.
• Place fried tofu in a large bowl and toss with 2/3 cup sauce, sprinkle liberally with sesame seeds and scallions.
• Toss gently.
• Serve remaining sauce for dipping or drizzled over vegetables.

SESAME-CRUSTED TOFU WITH GINGERY NOODLES

Steps:

• Tip the beaten egg onto a plate and coat the tofu in it. On a plate, mix the cornflour, sesame seeds and seasoning and dip the tofu pieces into it. Set aside.
• Heat the wok and add 2 tbsp of the oil, plus the carrots, and stir-fry until tender, adding a few splashes of water if they start to stick. Add the chilli, garlic, ginger and most of the spring onions, and fry for a few more mins. Meanwhile, cook the noodles following pack instructions, drain, then toss into the vegetables, along with the syrup and soy.
• Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan. Carefully shallow-fry the tofu pieces, a few mins each side, until golden. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Scatter with the remaining spring onions and serve with the noodles and a little extra soy sauce, if you like.