Sesame-Crusted Tofu
Submitted by happyzhangbo
Crispy sesame-crusted tofu steaks coated in black and white sesame seeds with whole wheat breadcrumbs. Low-fat, vegetarian, and on the table in 20 minutes.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
8 minCOOK
9 minREADY
20 minTofu skeptics, pull up a chair. This recipe turns a plain block of firm tofu into crispy, golden steaks with a two-tone sesame crust that actually crunches when you cut into it.
The trick is cooking the slices plain first to drive out excess moisture. Then they get dipped in an egg white wash, dredged through a mix of black and white sesame seeds with whole wheat breadcrumbs, and pan-fried in just a whisper of sesame oil.
Served over a bed of browned green onions, the whole plate comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s low-fat, low-calorie, vegetarian, and satisfying enough to make tofu the main event instead of an afterthought.
Pro Tips
- Press your tofu before slicing by wrapping it in a clean towel with a heavy pan on top for 15 minutes. Less water means crispier results.
- Use both black and white sesame seeds. It’s not just for looks. Black sesame has a slightly more intense, nuttier flavor that rounds out the crust.
- Keep the heat at medium. Sesame seeds scorch quickly at high temperatures. Patience gives you an even golden crust without burnt spots.
Ingredients
ends trimmed, cut in half crosswise, then halved again lengthwise
Directions
Cut the tofu crosswise into 12 slices.
Place the tofu slices in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
The tofu will brown slightly and lose some of its liquid.
Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a bowl, whisk together the milk, egg whites, ¼ teaspoon of the salt and the pepper until well blended.
On a large plate, combine the bread crumbs, white and black sesame seeds, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
Mix until well blended. Dip a tofu slice into the milk mixture, and then dredge in the sesame seed mixture.
Repeat dipping and dredging with the remaining tofu slices.
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Arrange the tofu slices in the pan and cook, turning once, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes on each side.
Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Add the green onions to the pan and sauté until they begin to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Divide the green onions among individual plates.
Top each serving with 3 tofu steaks and serve immediately.
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