Name: Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package super firm high-protein tofu (1 (14-16 oz / 397-453 g) package, *If you can’t find super firm tofu, extra firm or firm tofu will work. Press out extra moisture for 10-15 minutes.); 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 0.25 tsp sea salt; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 2.5 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce (gluten-free as needed)); 4 tsp rice vinegar; 4 tsp toasted sesame oil; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 clove garlic (large, grated or pressed); 0.25 cup sesame seeds; 1 tbsp cornstarch (*If replacing with arrowroot starch, use only half the amount.); 1 tbsp water; null null green onions (thinly sliced); null null brown rice; null null white rice; null null cauliflower rice; null null broccoli (steamed)

Instructions

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1

If serving with rice, [cauliflower rice], or steamed [broccoli], begin preparing at this time. Cook the rice on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in a rice cooker. Steam the [broccoli] in a steamer basket set over boiling water for ~4-6 minutes, or until tender but still a vibrant green color. Otherwise, move on to the next step.
2

TOFU: Preheat the oven to 218 C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3

Crumble the tofu (1 package) into pieces 0.5 to 1 inch in size and arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Add avocado oil (1 tbsp), sprinkle with sea salt (0.25 tsp), and toss to evenly coat the [tofu]. Once the oven is preheated, bake for 10 minutes, flip with a spatula, and bake for another 10 minutes or until the [tofu] is a little firm and golden with crispy edges.
4

SAUCE: To a medium saucepan, add the maple syrup (3 tbsp), tamari (2.5 tbsp), rice vinegar (4 tsp), toasted sesame oil (4 tsp), red pepper flakes (0.5 tsp), and garlic (2 clove). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5

Meanwhile, to a small bowl, add the cornstarch (1 tbsp) and water (1 tbsp) and stir to combine. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture, stir, and continue simmering, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes thick like honey — about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame seeds (0.25 cup). Taste and adjust as needed, adding more [maple syrup] for sweetness, [tamari] for overall flavor, [garlic] for zing, or [red pepper flakes] for heat. Set aside.
6

Once the [tofu] is golden brown, place it into the sauce and stir to fully coat. Serve warm with rice, steamed vegetables, or other sides for a tasty meal!
7

You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. If it becomes too thick, add a bit of [water] when you reheat it in a saucepan. Otherwise, the cooked dish is best when fresh.