Save It A flavorful, budget-friendly vegetarian dish featuring crispy tofu and tender broccoli tossed in a savory sesame sauce, served over steamed rice.
I first made sesame tofu & broccoli when searching for a satisfying weeknight meal that didn't require specialty ingredients. The savory sauce and crunchy veggies always make this a hit in our house.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu: 400 g, drained and pressed
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp for tofu marinade plus 3 tbsp for sauce
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp for tofu plus 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water for sauce
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp for tofu plus 1 tbsp toasted for sauce
- Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets (about 350 g)
- Carrots: 2 medium, sliced (optional)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated
- Maple syrup or honey: 2 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp plus more for garnish
- Jasmine or long-grain rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) uncooked
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Spring onions: 2, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. Combine with water and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the tofu:
- Cut the pressed tofu into 2 cm cubes. In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce, then sprinkle with cornstarch, mixing until evenly coated.
- Cook the tofu:
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides (about 8 minutes). Remove tofu from pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables:
- In the same pan, add broccoli and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Add to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables (about 2 minutes).
- Combine:
- Return tofu to the pan and toss everything together gently. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve:
- Spoon rice into bowls, top with sesame tofu and broccoli mixture. Garnish with spring onions and extra sesame seeds.
Save It My kids love scooping extra sesame seeds on top and sometimes request a dash of chili flakes for extra heat. Sharing this dish brings everyone together for a colorful, nutritious dinner.
Flavor Variations
Swap the broccoli with cauliflower, bell peppers, or snap peas for a different twist each time you make this. Drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick or add chopped peanuts for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with brown rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. Pair with a simple cucumber salad or miso soup to round out the dinner.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 370 calories, 12 g fat, 49 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein for a balanced meal packed with plant-powered nutrients.
Save It Finish with a sprinkle of spring onions and sesame seeds for vibrant color and added flavor. Enjoy this delicious vegetarian main any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy tofu?
Press tofu well to remove moisture, toss with soy sauce and cornstarch, then cook in hot sesame oil until golden on all sides.
- → Can I substitute the broccoli?
Yes, cauliflower or bell peppers work well and add variety to the vegetable mix.
- → What rice type is best for this meal?
Jasmine or long-grain rice provides a light, fragrant base that complements the richness of the sesame sauce.
- → How is the sesame sauce thickened?
A cornstarch slurry is added to the sauce, cooking until it thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the dish entirely plant-based and retain its natural sweetness.
- → Can I add heat to this dish?
Yes, including chili flakes or sriracha elevates the flavor with a spicy kick.