*This page may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission for products purchased through my links.
These are Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks A high-protein vegan and gluten-free dish inspired by Eravon thanks to a delicious sauce made from tamari, rice vinegar, sesame seeds and chili flakes.
Since moving to LA, it’s probably no surprise that I love Erehn’s Hot Bar. If you haven’t tried it, Erewhon is an LA-based grocery chain that makes the most delicious healthy food. They have tons of vegan and gluten-free options, and one of my favorite items to pick up there are the garlic sesame tofu sticks. But since they aren’t cheap and not everyone lives in LA I thought I’d show you how you can make them at home.
This recipe makes the tastiest, tastiest tofu you’ll ever have. These sticks are a tasty snack or an easy way to add delicious vegan protein to any salad, bowl or sandwich.
How to Make Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks
These sesame sticks are all about the sauce. But the best way to add some texture to your tofu is to cook it first! You can either bake, air fry, or flash fry (as Eraven does), but for both ease and less cleanup, I prefer to bake in the oven. While the oven is preheated we will quickly marinate the tofu in the sauce, then bake for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Then, we reduce the sauce in a pan and turn it into a glaze, coat the tofu sticks with soy and sesame sauce and garnish.
Material notes
Here’s what you need to make these sesame tofu sticks:
- High protein tofu. It’s important to use the firmest tofu you can find. High protein tofu has more protein and less moisture, so it can better absorb the sesame garlic sauce. An extra firm tofu will also work but I recommend pressing a tofu for about 20 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture from the tofu.
- Tamari. If you are not gluten-free, you can use coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar. It adds a bright, acidic flavor to the sauce.
- Sesame oil toasting. It adds a wonderfully warm, smoky flavor to the sauce.
- Red chili flakes. Use more or less depending on how spicy you like things.
- Mustard powder. This secret ingredient adds umami flavor and a touch more spice.
- garlic. You can also use a pinch of garlic powder.
- ginger Fresh is best, but feel free to use powder.
- Maple syrup. You can swap maple for agave or coconut sugar.
- Cornstarch. Helps thicken the sauce just a touch, but you can also use arrowroot starch in place.
- Purified water. A splash to make our sauce and cornstarch slurry.
- Scallions. These are just for garnish, but I love the look and taste they add to the dish.
- Sesame toast. Also for garnish. I like a mix of black and white.
Serving advice
You can of course eat these tofu sticks on their own, or with a simple dipping sauce like my Goes With Everything Green Sauce or Miso Tahini Sauce. It also pairs well with another Erewhon copycat recipe of mine, the infamous White Bean and Kale Salad.
I also love adding these high-protein tofu bites to salads and bowls. Try pairing them with these favorite vegan recipes:
More high-protein tofu recipes
If you make these Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks, be sure to let me know what you think in a comment below!
printed
description
These are the best garlic sesame tofu sticks to make at home with baked tofu in a soy, chili and maple-based sauce.
- 16 oz Extra firm, high protein tofu
Marinade
- 3 tbsp Purified water
- 2–3 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Neutral oil
- 1/4 the cup Tamari
- 3 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Toasted sesame oil
- 1 Clove garlic, grated
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp Mustard powder
- 2 tsp Maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp Ground pepper
Garnish
- scallions, cut diagonally
- Toasted white and black sesame seeds
- Preheat your oven to 400F while you prepare your tofu.
- Slice tofu into sticks into 2-inch-thick planks. Transfer to a shallow container, lightly removing excess moisture if necessary.
- Whisk the water and cornstarch together to make a slurry and then add to a bowl along with all the other sauce ingredients. Stir until smooth, then pour this marinade over the tofu and let sit for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer the tofu sticks to a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Pour the remaining marinade into a shallow pan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and turns into a nice glaze. Turn off the heat, add the tofu sticks to the pan and toss to coat.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and enjoy.
- Q Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
0