Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe: Easy and Delicious at Home

Sesame tofu is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine, cherished for its delicious flavor and simple preparation. Discover the detailed recipe to make crispy sesame tofu that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, along with tips to ensure success on your first try.

Origins and Significance of Sesame Tofu

Tofu, the main ingredient in this dish, originated in China and was introduced to Vietnam hundreds of years ago. Over time, tofu has become an indispensable part of Vietnamese family meals, especially in vegetarian dishes. Sesame tofu perfectly combines the creamy texture of tofu, the aroma of roasted sesame seeds, and an addictive crunch. It’s not just a tasty dish but also evokes memories of warm family dinners or familiar street food vendors.

Crispy sesame tofu on a plate

Ingredients Needed

To make delicious sesame tofu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Tofu: Choose soft to medium white tofu (about 3-4 blocks for a family portion). Silken tofu (also known as tofu pudding) is ideal because it contains less water, making the dish crispier.
• Roasted Sesame Seeds: Use white or black sesame seeds according to your preference (50-70g). Roasting your own sesame seeds will be more aromatic than store-bought ones.
• Frying Batter: About 100g to create a crispy coating.

Seasonings:

• Fish sauce, sugar, ground pepper, finely chopped scallions.
• Cooking oil for frying.

Tools:

• Deep frying pan.
• Paper towels for draining oil.
• Mixing bowl, chopsticks, spoons…

Ingredients for sesame tofu

Steps to Make Sesame Tofu

Step 1: Preparing the Tofu

Gently rinse the tofu under clean water and let it drain. To speed up the process, you can pat it dry with paper towels or press it lightly between two plates to remove excess water. Then, cut the tofu into bite-sized squares or triangles.

Step 2: Mixing the Marinade

Mix fish sauce, sugar, ground pepper, and finely chopped shallots in a mixing bowl. Dip each piece of tofu into this mixture and let it marinate for about 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors. Be careful not to marinate too long to avoid making the tofu too salty.

Step 3: Coating with Sesame

Roll the tofu pieces in the frying batter, then continue rolling them in the roasted sesame seeds. Press gently to ensure the sesame seeds stick well to the tofu surface. Tip: Mix the sesame seeds with a bit of frying batter before rolling for better adhesion.

Step 4: Frying the Tofu

Heat the cooking oil in a deep frying pan. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the pan – if it browns quickly, the oil is ready. Fry the tofu over medium heat until all sides are golden and the sesame aroma is released.

Step 5: Finishing the Dish

Remove the tofu from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle finely chopped scallions on top for garnish. The dish is best enjoyed hot, either with white rice or as a snack.

Finished sesame tofu dish

Tips to Elevate Your Sesame Tofu

Choosing the Best Tofu

• Select tofu with a natural ivory color, not too white or yellowish.
• Check the elasticity by gently pressing the tofu – good tofu will bounce back.
• Smell it: Fresh tofu has a mild soybean scent, with no strange odors.

Secrets to a Crunchy Fry

• Press out excess water from the tofu before frying.
• Deep fry to ensure the tofu cooks evenly and crisps on all sides.
• For extra crunch, fry twice: first on medium heat, then on high heat.

Delicious Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce with Garlic and Chili: Mix soy sauce with minced garlic, minced chili, sugar, and lime juice.
• Sweet and Sour Fish Sauce: Combine fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and minced chili.
• Chili Sauce: A simple yet appealing choice.

Creative Variations with Sesame Tofu

In addition to the basic recipe, you can experiment with variations such as:

• Sweet and Sour Sesame Tofu: Stir-fry the tofu with tomato sauce, pineapple, and onions.
• Sesame Tofu with Lemongrass and Chili: Add a rich flavor with lemongrass, chili, and onions.
• Vegan Version: Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegan-friendly option.

Variations of sesame tofu

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Tofu is a rich source of plant-based protein, high in calcium and iron. Roasted sesame seeds add fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. Sesame tofu not only tastes great but also offers numerous health benefits:

• Provides protein for muscle building.
• Supports strong bones due to its high calcium content.
• Aids digestion thanks to the fiber from sesame seeds.

Conclusion

Sesame tofu is a simple yet enticing dish, perfect for any meal. With the detailed recipe and helpful tips from this article, you can confidently prepare this dish at home. Give it a try and share your results!

Wishing you success and a delicious meal!