Are you ready to enjoy a delightful, plant-powered meal that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Coconut Rice and Peanut Tahini Sauce. This dish beautifully combines crispy tofu with creamy coconut rice, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance. Not only is this meal easy to prepare, but it also provides a wholesome balance of nutrients and flavor, making it a wonderful option for both casual dinners and special occasions.
As you delve into this recipe, you’ll discover how merely a block of tofu can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with a crunchy sesame crust that beckons to be dipped in a rich and nutty peanut tahini sauce. The creamy coconut rice serves as a delicious backdrop to the savory tofu, making it an indulgent yet healthy meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step seamlessly, ensuring that you create a dish that’s not just enjoyable to eat but also visually appealing.
In this post, we will walk you through the preparation of this delectable dish, including tips to ensure your tofu comes out perfect every time. Get your ingredients ready as we embark on a journey to make this exquisite sesame-crusted tofu plated on a bed of luscious coconut rice and drizzled with a delightful peanut tahini sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Coconut Rice and Peanut Tahini Sauce
- Flavorful: The sesame-crusted tofu, complemented by coconut rice and a creamy peanut tahini sauce, creates a fiesta of flavors in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and kitchen pros alike.
- Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats, this dish supports a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile: Serve this meal as a family dinner, a meal prep option, or an impressive dish for guests.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is inclusive for various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing for your cooking session is essential to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Start by gathering all the ingredients listed above to streamline your workflow. You will need a good-quality skillet for frying the tofu, a pot for the coconut rice, and a whisk for blending the peanut tahini sauce smoothly.
Make sure to have measuring cups and spoons handy to get precise ingredient proportions. A cutting board and a sharp knife will be necessary for slicing your tofu into the desired shape. Finally, set aside a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil once your crispy tofu is cooked. This preparation will save you time and make your cooking process more efficient.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp tamari
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup sesame seeds (white or mixed)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp tamari
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water (plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Coconut Rice
To start this delicious meal, bring the coconut milk, water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the jasmine rice, giving it a gentle stir to combine. This mixture will yield a rich and creamy texture, so make sure to lower the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for an additional 10 minutes—this step allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb the flavors completely. Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and keep it warm until it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu
While the coconut rice cooks, let’s focus on the tofu. Start by slicing the extra-firm tofu into triangles or rectangles, depending on your preference. It’s crucial to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, as this helps it crisp up during cooking. Pat the tofu dry with kitchen towels, then toss it in a mixing bowl with tamari, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse flavor into the tofu, so ensure every piece is coated evenly. Next, sprinkle the arrowroot starch over the tofu, tossing again until the pieces are fully covered. Finally, press each tofu slice firmly into the sesame seeds, coating both sides generously—this will create that irresistible crunchy crust once cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Tofu
Now that your tofu is prepped, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the coated tofu pieces into the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you might want to cook the tofu in batches to ensure each piece gets the right amount of heat. After cooking, transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, maintaining that delightful crunch.
Step 4: Create the Peanut Tahini Sauce
For the finishing touch to this sensational meal, prepare the peanut tahini sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, tahini, tamari, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, adding more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. This sauce not only adds a rich flavor but also provides a beautiful contrast against the crispy tofu and coconut rice.
Variations
- Protein: Feel free to substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different protein source that retains the same delicious flavors.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or ginger to elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
Cooking Notes
- Pressing tofu adequately is essential; the firmer the tofu is after pressing, the better it will fry up.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the components separate for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a light cucumber and sesame salad to complement the flavors and add even more texture.
- Serve with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of freshness on top.
Tips
- For extra crunch, try toasting the sesame seeds lightly in the skillet before coating your tofu.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, consider adding a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the peanut tahini sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: 23 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is naturally gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tofu and coconut rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will alter the cooking time, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
What can I substitute for peanut butter in the sauce?
If you have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seed butter as a substitute in the peanut tahini sauce.
Conclusion
This Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Coconut Rice and Peanut Tahini Sauce isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. With its variety of flavors and satisfying textures, this dish is bound to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Adapting various ingredients and making it your own is part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment! We hope you enjoy this recipe, and we invite you to leave your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Print
Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Coconut Rice and Peanut Tahini Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delightful, plant-powered meal that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp tamari
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup sesame seeds (white or mixed)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp tamari
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water (plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- To start this delicious meal, bring the coconut milk, water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the jasmine rice, giving it a gentle stir to combine. This mixture will yield a rich and creamy texture, so make sure to lower the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for an additional 10 minutes—this step allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb the flavors completely. Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and keep it warm until it’s time to serve.
- While the coconut rice cooks, let’s focus on the tofu. Start by slicing the extra-firm tofu into triangles or rectangles, depending on your preference. It’s crucial to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, as this helps it crisp up during cooking. Pat the tofu dry with kitchen towels, then toss it in a mixing bowl with tamari, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse flavor into the tofu, so ensure every piece is coated evenly. Next, sprinkle the arrowroot starch over the tofu, tossing again until the pieces are fully covered. Finally, press each tofu slice firmly into the sesame seeds, coating both sides generously—this will create that irresistible crunchy crust once cooked.
- Now that your tofu is prepped, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the coated tofu pieces into the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you might want to cook the tofu in batches to ensure each piece gets the right amount of heat. After cooking, transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, maintaining that delightful crunch.
- For the finishing touch to this sensational meal, prepare the peanut tahini sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, tahini, tamari, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, adding more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. This sauce not only adds a rich flavor but also provides a beautiful contrast against the crispy tofu and coconut rice.
Notes
Pressing tofu adequately is essential; the firmer the tofu is after pressing, the better it will fry up.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 23 g