Dinner

Sesame Tofu with Broccoli Recipe

ByAiden Wells February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Introduction

This Sesame Tofu Broccoli recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy tofu, tender broccoli, and a flavorful, slightly spicy sesame sauce. It’s a satisfying plant-based dish that’s easy to make and great for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal.

A shallow white bowl holds a bed of white rice that forms the bottom layer on the right side, showing soft, fluffy grains with some green onion slices on top. The second layer, covering most of the bowl, consists of bright green broccoli florets and golden-brown battered chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that has a reddish-brown tint. The dish is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions scattered over the top, creating a mix of smooth, crunchy, and tender textures. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 oz. extra-firm tofu
2 small heads of broccoli
2 scallions
1 (1″) piece ginger, peeled
2 garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp. chili crisp
2 tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp. plus 1/3 cup cornstarch, divided
4 tbsp. neutral oil, divided
Kosher salt
Toasted sesame seeds and steamed white rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place 3 layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel on a plate. Place tofu on towels and cover with another 3 layers or towel. Press tofu with a heavy can or skillet for 30 to 45 minutes, changing towels as needed to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut broccoli into florets. Thinly slice scallions, separating white and green parts. In a medium bowl, grate ginger and garlic, then add white scallions, vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, chili crisp, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 1 tbsp. cornstarch. Whisk to combine.
Step 3: Break pressed tofu into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt and drizzle with 1 tbsp. neutral oil. Gently toss to coat. Add remaining 1/3 cup cornstarch and toss again until tofu is evenly coated. Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tbsp. neutral oil.
Step 4: Bake tofu for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until it’s light brown and crisp.
Step 5: When tofu has 12 minutes left, heat remaining 1 tbsp. neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, season with salt, and toss to coat in oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until broccoli starts to char, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove broccoli to a plate.
Step 6: Reduce heat to medium. Whisk sauce again to reincorporate cornstarch and pour into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cooking until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Add broccoli and tofu back to skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Garnish with green scallion parts and toasted sesame seeds. Serve over steamed white rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, try pan-frying tofu before baking.
Substitute broccoli with snap peas or bok choy for a different vegetable twist.
Adjust chili crisp to your preferred heat level or substitute with chili flakes.
Use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain tofu crispness, or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a pan containing a saucy stir-fry dish with three main layers: bright green broccoli florets with a slightly charred texture, golden-brown tofu cubes with a crispy surface, and a thick reddish-brown sauce that coats everything evenly with visible bits of spices and sesame seeds. A ladle is pouring more sauce over the dish, with a single drop hanging mid-air, adding a shiny, glossy effect to the scene. The background is a dark cooking surface with scattered sauce drops, all contrasted by the rich colors and textures of the stir-fry. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tofu instead of extra-firm tofu?

Extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. Soft tofu will be difficult to handle and won’t get crispy.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making this an excellent vegan meal option.

Aiden Wells