Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice (Print-Friendly)

Golden crispy tofu combined with vibrant vegetables and savory sesame-infused fried rice.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tofu

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
07 - 3 green onions, sliced with white and green parts separated
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Rice

10 - 4 cups cold cooked jasmine or long grain rice, preferably day-old

→ Sauce

11 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
15 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste, optional
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

→ Garnish

17 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
18 - Reserved sliced green onion tops

# How To Make It:

01 - Cut pressed tofu into 0.5-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Add additional oil to the pan if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions for 1 minute until fragrant. Add bell pepper and peas-carrot mix, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
04 - Add cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through and begins to crisp.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha if using, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Pour sauce over rice and toss thoroughly to coat all components.
06 - Return crispy tofu to the pan and gently fold through the rice mixture. Remove from heat, top with toasted sesame seeds and reserved green onion tops. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that don't sacrifice flavor
  • Perfect use for leftover rice that might otherwise go to waste
  • Crispy tofu technique that transforms bland protein into crave-worthy bites
  • Customizable heat level to suit everyone at your table
  • Complete protein-rich meal in under 40 minutes
02 -
  • For extra-crispy tofu, try the double-fry method: fry once, remove, let cool slightly, then fry again for maximum crunch
  • An air fryer works beautifully for the tofu if you're watching oil intake
  • The key to non-sticky rice is using cold rice and not overcrowding the pan
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan before adding them to intensify their nutty flavor
  • This dish reheats well for lunch the next day—just add a splash of water when reheating
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