Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks (Erewhon Copycat)

By Suzanne Anderson April 20, 2023 25 mins read 127 Views

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The Garlic-Sesame-Tofu Sticks is a gluten-free, high-protein dish that's inspired by Erewhon. It has a savory, vegan sauce made of tamari and rice vinegar with sesame seeds and chili flakes.

It's no surprise that, since moving to LA in 2010, I enjoy the hot bar at Erewhon. Erewhon, a grocery store in LA that sells delicious healthy food is worth trying. There are many vegan and gluten free options. My favorite item to buy there is the garlic sesame sticks. Since they are not cheap, and not everyone lives near LA, I decided to show you how you could make them at home.

This recipe will make the most flavorful, savory tofu that you have ever tasted. These sticks make a great snack or a tasty way to add vegan protein to salads, bowls or sandwiches.

How to make Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks

The sauce is the star of these sesame sticks. Cooking your tofu first is the best way to give it some texture. As Erewhon suggests, you can bake, air-fry or flash fry. But I prefer to bake because it's easier and requires less cleanup. While the oven is heating up, we'll marinate the fried tofu for a few minutes in the sauce. Then, bake it for 30 mins. Flipping halfway through.

We then reduce the sauce to a glaze in a saucepan, and coat the tofu in the sesame and soy sauce.

Ingredient Notes

What you'll need to make sesame tofu:

Tofu high in protein. Use the firmest tofu that you can. Tofu with high protein content has less moisture and more protein, which allows it to absorb sesame garlic sauce better. Extra firm tofu can also be used, but I recommend pressing out the excess moisture with a tofu presses for around 20 minutes.
Tamari. If you are not gluten-free, you can use low-sodium or coconut aminos.
Rice wine vinegar. This gives the sauce a bright acidic taste.
Sesame oil. This gives the sauce a wonderful, warm and smoky taste.
Red Chili Flakes. You can use more or less depending on your taste for spicy foods.
Mustard powder. This secret ingredient gives a hint of spice and umami flavor.
Garlic. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder.
Ginger. Ginger powder is also available in fresh form.
Maple Syrup. You can substitute maple syrup for agave sugar or coconut sugar.
Cornstarch. You can use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Filtered water. Only a small amount of water is needed to make our cornstarch and sauce slurry.
Scallions. They are only for garnishing, but they look great and add a lot of flavor to the dish.
Sesame seeds toasted. Can also be used as a garnish. I like to mix black and white.

Serving Suggestions

These tofu sticks are great on their own or with a simple sauce, like my Goes with Everything Green Sauce. This recipe pairs nicely with the White Bean and Kale Salad, another Erewhon-inspired recipe that I enjoy.

These high-protein bites of tofu are also great in salads and bowls. Pair them with these vegan recipes.

Crunchy Pad Thay Inspired Salad (vegans, gluten-free, oil-free)
Quinoa Fried "Rice" (vegan, gluten-free, oil free)
Shanghai Style Rice Cake Stir-Fry (vegan and gluten free)

More High-Protein Tofu Recipes

Lemon & Herb Crusted Tofu Steaks (vegan, gluten free, oil free)
Vegan Pad Thai With Tofu (Gluten Free)
Tofu Stuffed Olives with Lentil Coconut sauce (vegan, gluten-free)

Please let me know your thoughts if you try these Garlic Sesame Tofu sticks by leaving a comment!

Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks

Author: Remy Park
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings

Print recipe

Description

This is the best way to make garlic sesame sticks at home. The tofu is baked in a sauce of soy, maple, and chili.

Ingredients

Units

16 8 oz tofu extra firm and high protein

Marinade

3 tablespoons filtered filtered water
2-3 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp neutral oil
1/4 Cup Tamari
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp red chili flakes
1/2 tsp mustard powder
2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Garnish

Scallions, cut diagonally
Sesame seeds toasted in white and black

Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 400F as you prepare the tofu.
Tofu can be cut into planks of 2 inches thick or into sticks. If necessary, lightly pat any excess moisture away and transfer to a shallow container.
Mix water and cornstarch together to form a slurry. Add to a bowl with all the other ingredients. Pour the marinade over tofu, and whisk until smooth. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Bake the tofu for 30 minutes. Flipping them halfway through.
Pour the rest of the marinade in a shallow pan over low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens and becomes a nice glaze. Turn off the stove, then add the tofu to the pan. Toss the tofu to evenly coat.
Enjoy. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds, scallions, and sesame oil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

The post Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks - Erewhon Copycat appeared first on Veggiekins blog.

By: Remy Park
Title: Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks (Erewhon Copycat)
Sourced From: veggiekinsblog.com/2023/04/20/garlic-sesame-tofu-sticks/
Published Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:26:40 +0000

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