Crispy Sesame Seed Tofu with Peanut Sauce

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Get ready to turn tofu into a family dish everyone will love with our crispy sesame seed tofu sticks, served with a creamy peanut sauce and sautéed vegetables. This recipe skillfully combines flavors and textures, providing a rich and satisfying dining experience. Thanks to the refined addition of fresh ginger and the choice of lime or lemon juice, each bite is a promise of pleasure. Ideal for those looking to incorporate tofu into their diet or surprise their family with a dinner that is both healthy and deliciously different, this approach makes tofu look festive and flavorful. Embark with us on a taste journey that transforms simple tofu into a crispy treat, ensuring a hit with the whole family.

🔍 Information	Details
⏱️ Preparation time	15 minutes (plus 1 to 2 hours to marinate)
🍳 Cooking time	30 minutes
⏲️ Total time	45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
🔧 Difficulty level	AVERAGE
🍽️ Servings	4 people
🔥 Calories (approximate)	500 per serving

Ingredients for the tofu:

• 400g firm tofu
• Peanut oil for cooking

For the marinade:

• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes (optional)

For the breading:

• Flour (to coat)
• 1-2 beaten eggs (with a pinch of salt)
• Mixture of panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds

For the peanut sauce:

• ¼ cup natural peanut butter (crunchy or creamy of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
• Hot water to adjust consistency

For the sautéed vegetables:

• Red peppers, onions, asparagus, broccoli (your choice)
• Sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch diluted in 2 tablespoons of water

Accompaniement:

• Cooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Pat the tofu dry with a dry cloth or paper towels. Squeeze it gently to remove excess water, then cut it into sticks.
2. Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, lemon juice, ginger, maple syrup, pepper and chili flakes in a bowl. Add the tofu sticks and marinate for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Prepare three plates for the breading: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs and one with the mixture of panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.
4. Drain the tofu sticks, dip them in the flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the panko and sesame seed mixture. Press lightly to coat.
5. Heat the peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the sticks until golden and crispy. Reserve on absorbent paper.
6. Mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, ginger and maple syrup. Gradually add hot water to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Sauté the vegetables in the same pan with a little sesame oil. Dilute the cornstarch in water and add it to the vegetables along with a little reserved marinade to thicken the sauce.
8. Serve the tofu sticks with the peanut sauce on the side, accompanied by the sautéed vegetables and white rice.

This recipe combines crunch, flavor and nutrition for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy, including your son. Enjoy your food !

QUESTIONS ANSWERS

Q1: Does tofu absolutely have to be pressed before cooking?

A1: Yes, pressing tofu is crucial to remove excess water, resulting in a crispier texture after cooking. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to gently squeeze it.

Q2: Can you cook tofu other than in a pan?

A2: Yes, although the recipe suggests cooking it in the pan to get a golden, crispy crust, you can also cook it in the oven. Be sure to turn it halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Q3: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets?

A3: The recipe is vegetarian as is. For a vegan version, be sure to omit the fish sauce or replace it with a vegan substitute.

Q4: Can we use a type of tofu other than firm tofu for this recipe?

A4: For this recipe, firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal because it maintains its shape and texture during breading and cooking. Softer tofus may break or not reach the desired consistency.

Q5: Is there a gluten-free alternative for breading?

A5: Yes, for a gluten-free version, you can replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oatmeal. Also make sure other ingredients, like soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.

Q6: How do I store leftover crispy tofu sticks?

A6: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in the oven or in a pan to regain their crispiness.

Q7: Can other vegetables be added to stir-fried vegetables?

A7: Absolutely, this recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as carrots, spinach or mushrooms, to diversify the flavors and colors.

Q8: Is there an alternative to peanut oil for cooking?

A8: If you have a peanut allergy or prefer another oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, or even light olive oil may be good alternatives. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for high-heat cooking.