Sesame Tofu Delight (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 blocks of extra firm tofu, sliced into pieces roughly 10 x 5 x 1.5cm, weighing 100g each
02 -
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
03 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
04 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose or plain flour
05 -
1 egg, beaten gently
06 -
4 tablespoons sesame seeds (white variety)
07 -
4 tablespoons black sesame seeds
08 -
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
09 -
Optional: 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced to about 1mm
10 -
1 green onion, chopped finely (to sprinkle on top)
→ Teriyaki Sauce
11 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce (a light or Japanese all-purpose type is best)
12 -
2 tablespoons mirin, ideally Japanese
13 -
2 tablespoons Japanese-style cooking sake
14 -
2 tablespoons water
# Instructions:
01 -
Use paper towels to blot the tofu dry. Dust lightly with pepper and salt.
02 -
Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with sesame seeds, and one with the beaten egg.
03 -
Coat each tofu piece by first pressing it into the flour, tapping off any extra. Then, dip it into the beaten egg and let the excess drip off. Finally, press it into the sesame seeds, ensuring a full, even coating. Repeat this for all the slices.
04 -
Warm the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic slices until they turn golden and crispy. Set them aside on paper towels to drain.
05 -
Switch to medium-high heat. Lay the tofu slices in the pan and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes per side until the sesame seeds are crunchy and aromatic. Use tongs to carefully sear each edge for another 30 seconds.
06 -
Turn heat down to medium and pour in all the Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Let it simmer for a minute, stirring, until it thickens to a syrupy texture. Take the pan off the heat.
07 -
Arrange the tofu steaks on serving plates. Drizzle the thickened Teriyaki Sauce on top. Garnish with the crispy garlic and green onion. Serve straight away while it's warm.
# Notes:
01 -
The sesame seeds add a satisfying crispiness and hold up even after the sauce is added.
02 -
Firm tofu is key for keeping the shape intact during cooking.
03 -
For best flavor, go with authentic Japanese seasonings for the sauce.