Crispy Sesame Tofu Fried Rice (Printable)

Golden crispy tofu meets aromatic sesame-ginger coated rice in this vibrant 40-minute stir-fry perfect for using leftovers.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Cut pressed tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated on all sides.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy on all surfaces. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Add additional oil to the pan if needed. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and white portions of green onion for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add diced bell pepper and peas with carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables reach tender-crisp texture.
06 - Add cold rice to the pan, breaking apart any clumps with your utensil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through and begins to crisp slightly.
07 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, optional sriracha, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds until well combined.
08 - Pour prepared sauce over rice mixture and toss thoroughly to coat. Return crispy tofu to the pan and fold gently to incorporate.
09 - Remove from heat. Top with toasted sesame seeds and reserved green onion tops. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Vibrant and budget-friendly ingredients.
  • Features a delicious aromatic sesame-ginger sauce.
  • An excellent way to use up leftover rice.
  • A satisfying, TikTok-inspired meal that is easy to prepare.
02 -
  • Thoroughly drain and press the tofu to remove moisture for the crispiest results.
  • Use a large nonstick skillet or wok to ensure even cooking and heat distribution.
  • Return the crispy tofu to the pan at the very end to prevent it from becoming soggy in the sauce.
Go back