Sesame Tofu & Broccoli

Sesame Tofu & Broccoli Recipe: A Heartfelt Flavor Fiesta

When it comes to whipping up a quick and delicious meal that delights the senses, Sesame Tofu & Broccoli stands out as a vibrant, nourishing dish. Imagine the crunch of perfectly roasted broccoli mingling with golden, crispy tofu pieces, all enveloped in a glossy, fragrant sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. This recipe is not only fast and easy to prepare, but it’s also a nostalgic nod to wholesome, simple ingredients that please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family dinner, this dish offers a warm embrace of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Have you ever craved a meal that’s both satisfying and uplifting, like a hug from a friend after a long day? Picture this: you come home after a busy day, and the aromas of sesame and garlic wrap around you like a cozy blanket. Isn’t that the kind of experience we all look for in our meals? What if I told you that this Sesame Tofu & Broccoli can provide just that moment of pure bliss?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight hero. The benefits speak for themselves:

• Easy Prep: Minimal effort required, making it ideal for busy schedules.

• Healthy: Packed with protein from tofu and vitamins from broccoli, it’s a nutritious meal.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-friendly and adaptable for different tastes with just a few tweaks.

• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these items sitting in your pantry already.

• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following indulgent ingredients:

• 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
• 2 small heads of broccoli
• 2 scallions
• 1 inch 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, for serving
• Steamed white rice, for serving

Imagine the smoothness of silken tofu transforming as you expertly press out its moisture, allowing it to absorb all the delightful flavors you’ll soon be adding. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a symphony that will resonate with every bite.

Timing

The beauty of Sesame Tofu & Broccoli lies not just in its tantalizing flavor but also in its quick prep and cooking time, making it a fantastic fast meal. With a cooking time clocking in at around 25 minutes, you can savor the luxury of home-cooked food without sacrificing your precious evening hours. So why not treat yourself, indulge in deliciousness, and whip this up for a quick dinner among friends or just for cozy self-care?

Step-by-Step

Ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of scent and taste? Here’s how to create this mouthwatering dish, step by luscious step:

1. Start by placing the tofu on paper towels, topping them with more towels, and pressing moisture out with a heavy object for about 30 to 45 minutes. This ensures crispy tofu that transforms into a golden masterpiece.

2. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. While that’s heating up, cut the broccoli into florets and slice the scallions, keeping the green and white parts separate. The colors are dazzling!

3. In a bowl, grate fresh ginger and garlic before incorporating the white parts of the scallions. Add in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, chili crisp, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk everything to combine into a harmonious mixture.

4. Break the tofu into rough 1-inch pieces and toss with salt and 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Next, dust them with the remaining cornstarch for that coveted crispy exterior.

5. Arrange the tofu pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzling with 2 tablespoons of oil before baking until light brown and crispy—about 25 exhilarating minutes.

6. While that’s baking, heat the remaining oil in a skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and season with salt, cooking until they start to char. This imparts creamy texture and deep flavor, making each bite irresistible.

7. Lower the heat and give that sauce a good whisk to reincorporate the cornstarch, pouring it into the skillet. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, around 4 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

8. Add the baked tofu and charred broccoli to the skillet, gently tossing them to coat with sauce. Top with the green parts of the scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, signifying the finishing touch of this exquisite meal.

9. Serve your Sesame Tofu & Broccoli over steaming bowls of white rice, and voilà! You’ve crafted a meal bursting with love, flavor, and a hint of adventure.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not just delicious but also nutritious! A typical serving contains around 300-400 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of protein from tofu and fiber from broccoli creates a well-balanced bite, perfect for satisfying hungry bellies without the heavy feeling afterward. And yes, a bit of maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that balances everything beautifully—sometimes, indulgence is just what you need!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, consider these simple swaps:

• Replace the soy sauce with low-sodium alternatives for salt control.
• Choose a different sweetener like agave or a sugar-free syrup for lower sugar options.
• Use light coconut milk instead of vegetable broth for a creamier consistency with healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to elevate your dinner table? Pair your Sesame Tofu & Broccoli with a side of fresh spring rolls drizzled with peanut sauce or a refreshing cucumber salad. This hearty dish shines not just as a weeknight dinner but also as an elegant centerpiece for holiday gatherings or potlucks. Consider adding a scoop of coconut ice cream for dessert—now that’s a meal to remember!

Common Mistakes

Even the most seasoned cooks can make a misstep! Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overbaking the tofu: Keep an eye on the clock. You want crispy but not burnt.
• Texture issues: Press the tofu thoroughly to ensure it absorbs the sauce and achieves that golden color.
• Messes: Keep your workspace tidy; use parchment paper for easy clean-up when baking tofu.

Storing Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store the Sesame Tofu & Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze portions in freezer bags. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, but be cautious not to overcook the tofu again!

Tempt Your Tastebuds

I can’t emphasize enough how amazing it would be to bake up a batch of this Sesame Tofu & Broccoli ASAP. The blend of textures and flavors will transport you to culinary bliss, making each bite feel like a celebration. Invite your friends, family, or even yourself to enjoy this nourishing plate, and bask in the goodness.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
   Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or even bok choy.

2. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Yes! Add additional chili crisp or some red pepper flakes into the sauce to amp up the heat!

3. Is this recipe vegan?
   Yes, this Sesame Tofu & Broccoli is entirely plant-based!

4. How do I achieve extra crispy tofu?
   Ensure to thoroughly press the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible before baking.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   Definitely! Marinate the sauce and pre-bake the tofu earlier in the day for a quicker assembly at dinner time.

Now, roll up those sleeves and get cooking! Your Sesame Tofu & Broccoli awaits, promising a delightful journey filled with mouthwatering flavors and aromas. Enjoy every moment!

Sesame Tofu & Broccoli

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• Author: noah-reed
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A vibrant, nourishing dish featuring crispy tofu and roasted broccoli in a glossy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
• 2 small heads of broccoli
• 2 scallions
• 1 inch 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, for serving
• Steamed white rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Press the tofu on paper towels with a heavy object for 30 to 45 minutes to remove moisture.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut broccoli into florets and slice scallions, keeping the green and white parts separate.
3. In a bowl, grate ginger and garlic, then add white scallions and mix with broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, chili crisp, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
4. Break tofu into 1-inch pieces, toss with salt and 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, then dust with remaining cornstarch.
5. Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, and bake for about 25 minutes until crispy.
6. In a skillet, heat remaining oil and cook broccoli florets seasoned with salt until they start to char.
7. Whisk sauce in a bowl and pour into the skillet with broccoli, simmering for 4 minutes until thickened.
8. Add baked tofu and broccoli to skillet, toss to coat, and top with green scallions and sesame seeds.
9. Serve over steamed white rice.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; for longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 0mg