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These Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks are a high-protein vegan and gluten-free dish inspired by Erewhon, thanks to a savory sauce made from tamari, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and chili flakes.
Since moving to LA, it’s probably not a surprise that I love the hot bar at Erewhon. If you haven’t tried it, Erewhon is an LA-based grocery chain that makes the most delicious healthy food. They have plenty 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’re not cheap and not everyone lives in LA I thought I’d show you how you can make it at home.
This recipe makes the most savory, flavorful tofu you’ve ever had. These sticks are a delicious snack or an easy way to add tasty 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 Erewhon does), but my preference for both ease and less cleanup is to bake in the oven. We’ll quickly marinate the tofu in the sauce while the oven preheats, then bake for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Then, we reduce the sauce in a pan to turn it into a glaze, coat the tofu sticks in the soy and sesame sauce and garnish.
Ingredient 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’d recommend pressing the excess moisture out of the tofu with a tofu press for about 20 minutes.
Tamari. You can also use coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce if you’re not gluten-free.
Rice wine vinegar. This adds a bright, acidic flavor to the sauce.
Toasted sesame oil. This 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 garlic powder in a pinch.
Ginger. Fresh is best, but feel free to use powder too.
Preheat your oven to 400F while you prepare your tofu.
Slice tofu into sticks into 2-inch thick planks. Lightly pat away any excess moisture if needed and transfer into a shallow container.
Whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry and then add to a bowl alongside all other sauce ingredients. Whisk until smooth, then pour this marinade over the tofu and let sit for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Transfer the tofu sticks into a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Pour the remaining marinade into a shallow pan on low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and turns into a nice glaze. Turn off the heat, add the tofu sticks into the pan and toss to coat.
Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and enjoy.
Hi there, I’m Remy! Welcome to Veggiekins Blog, home to nourishing vegan + gluten-free recipes and tips to live your best balanced and holistic life. I’m a human on a mission to empower you to be well and be kind to your mind, body and soul with the healing power of plants.
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