Sesame Tofu Broccoli Bowls
Tofu bowls can sometimes turn out soggy or bland if the tofu isn't given enough heat to firm up, but baking the pressed cubes first creates nicely browned edges that readily hold onto sauce. Pairing those crispy cubes with vibrant steamed broccoli keeps the textures distinct rather than turning everything into a soft stir-fry. The finishing step brings it all together quickly on the stovetop. A simple reduction of soy sauce and honey creates a glossy, clinging glaze that coats both the warm tofu and tender broccoli without watering down.
Why this one works
- Baking the tofu at 200°C creates firm, lightly browned edges with a tender interior.
- Steaming the broccoli separately maintains its bright green color and crisp-tender bite.
- The soy sauce and honey reduction forms a glossy glaze that clings evenly to every piece.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a pleasant nutty crunch to the final presentation.
What you’ll need
- 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed Thorough pressing removes excess moisture so the cubes brown and crisp properly in the oven.
- 2 cups (300g) broccoli florets Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly to a tender-crisp texture.
- 3 tbsp (45ml) sesame oil Tossed with the tofu before roasting to aid browning and infuse deep toasted flavor.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce Provides the foundational savory, salty base for the quick stovetop glaze.
- 1 tbsp (15g) honey Balances the savory soy sauce and allows the mixture to thicken into a glossy coating.
- 1 tbsp (10g) sesame seeds Toasting lightly before garnishing maximizes their aroma and crisp texture.
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What to have nearby
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Steamer basket or pot
- Wide skillet or pan
- Small whisk
Step-by-step instructions
The workflow breaks neatly into three parallel tasks: roasting the oiled tofu in the oven, steaming the broccoli until just tender, and whisking the glaze together in a pan to coat everything right before serving.
- 1Step 1
Preheat oven to 200C. Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp sesame oil and bake for 20 minutes.
- 2Step 2
Steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
- 3Step 3
Whisk soy sauce and honey in a pan, add tofu and broccoli, tossing until glazed.
- 4Step 4
Serve in bowls topped with toasted sesame seeds.
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A few things worth knowing
- Spread the tofu cubes across the baking sheet with space between them so they roast rather than steam.
- Keep a close eye on the broccoli while steaming so it retains its vibrant color and slight snap.
- Warm the soy sauce and honey over medium-low heat just until bubbling before adding the cooked ingredients to prevent scorching.
Ways to make it your own
- Garnish with thinly sliced fresh scallions alongside the sesame seeds.
- Serve over a base of warm brown rice, quinoa, or soba noodles.
Serving suggestions
Dish the glazed tofu and broccoli directly into shallow bowls while still hot from the pan. They pair naturally over freshly steamed white rice, brown rice, or warm soba noodles, allowing the extra pan glaze to season the grain underneath.
Storage & reheating
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat to help the tofu regain some exterior firmness.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Why is it important to press the tofu before cubing?+
Removing excess surface and internal liquid ensures the tofu cubes roast and brown in the oven instead of stewing in expelled water.
Can I steam the broccoli ahead of time?+
Yes, you can steam the florets in advance and add them straight to the pan with the warm glaze and hot baked tofu to reheat.
With crisp-edged tofu, bright greens, and a balanced savory-sweet glaze, these bowls deliver dependable texture and flavor with straightforward weeknight preparation.
Sesame Tofu Broccoli Bowls
Crispy baked extra-firm tofu and tender-crisp broccoli coated in a savory soy-honey glaze and finished with toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 cups (300g) broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp (45ml) sesame oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) honey
- 1 tbsp (10g) sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C. Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp sesame oil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Steam broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Whisk soy sauce and honey in a pan, add tofu and broccoli, tossing until glazed.
- Serve in bowls topped with toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition
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