Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice

There's something magical about the aroma of sesame oil and ginger filling your kitchen as golden cubes of tofu sizzle in a hot pan. This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. Inspired by viral TikTok recipes that prove budget-friendly meals can be both nutritious and delicious, this colorful stir-fry transforms humble tofu and day-old rice into a crave-worthy dinner that even skeptics will love.

Save to Pinterest

This recipe was born from necessity—a nearly empty fridge, some leftover rice, and a block of tofu in need of transformation. The secret lies in getting the tofu truly crispy before it meets the aromatic sauce, creating textural contrast that makes each bite interesting. The sesame-ginger flavor profile delivers warmth and complexity that belies how quickly this dish comes together.

• For the tofu: 400g (14 oz) firm tofu (drained and pressed), 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the vegetables: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (thawed), 1 small red bell pepper (diced), 3 green onions (sliced, white and green parts separated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• For the rice: 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old jasmine or long grain rice)
• For the sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional), 1 tsp sesame seeds
• For garnish: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, reserved sliced green onion tops

1. Prepare the tofu

Cut the pressed tofu into 1.5 cm (1/2-inch) cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until well coated.

2. Crisp the tofu

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Cook vegetables

Add bell pepper and peas/carrot mix. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

5. Add rice

Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until rice is heated through and starting to crisp.

6. Prepare sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha (if using), and 1 tsp sesame seeds.

7. Combine and finish

Pour sauce over the rice and toss well to coat. Return crispy tofu to the pan and gently mix through. Remove from heat. Top with toasted sesame seeds and green onion tops. Serve hot.

For the best texture, make sure your tofu is well-pressed before cooking - wrap in paper towels and place under a heavy object for at least 30 minutes, or use a tofu press. Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving distinct, separate grains that won't clump together. If you're making fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour before using.

This recipe welcomes endless adaptations. For a protein boost, add a scrambled egg just before returning the tofu to the pan. Make it vegan by substituting maple syrup for honey. Boost the vegetable content with edamame, broccoli florets, or snap peas. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. If you enjoy heat, increase the sriracha or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Serve this vibrant dish in deep bowls with extra sriracha or chili oil on the side for those who enjoy additional heat. A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing makes a refreshing side. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, start with vegetable spring rolls or a simple miso soup. This dish pairs beautifully with a light Riesling or chilled jasmine tea.

Save to Pinterest

This Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings alike. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming humble ingredients into a meal that nourishes both body and spirit. As you serve this colorful creation, you'll find it's not just about the crispy edges of tofu or the perfect balance of salty and sweet—it's about the joy that comes from creating something delicious with your own hands, even when time and ingredients are limited. That's the true magic of home cooking.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve crispy tofu?

Press tofu well to remove moisture, coat cubes with cornstarch, and pan-fry in hot oil until golden and crispy on all sides.

→ Can I use different vegetables in this dish?

Yes, vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers can be added or swapped to suit your preference.

→ Is day-old rice necessary for stir-frying?

Using cold, day-old rice helps prevent clumping and promotes crisp texture when stir-fried.

→ What sauce ingredients balance the flavors?

A mix of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup creates a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure all sauces and ingredients are certified gluten-free.