If you’re on the hunt for a truly crowd-pleasing veggie main or a showstopping side, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze may just become your new favorite. Picture this: caramelized, nutty Brussels sprouts, super-crunchy tofu cubes, and everything tied together with a shimmering, sweet-salty-tangy honey-sesame sauce. The textures will keep your fork diving back in, and the flavor is bold and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but easily pretty enough to steal the spotlight at any dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe leans into clean, simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the bold zip of ginger to the sweet notes of honey, each component adds a layer of flavor, color, or irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!
- Extra-firm tofu (14 oz): This is the secret to those perfectly golden, bite-sized cubes that crisp up beautifully and soak up all the glaze.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): A dusting of cornstarch guarantees the tofu’s crispy exterior—don’t be tempted to skip it!
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Split between the tofu and Brussels sprouts, it’s what ensures superior roasting and browning.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and halved): Their natural nuttiness and charred edges make them the star vegetable here.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses the glaze with savory depth, balancing out the sweetness of the honey.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds that undeniable toasty, aromatic flair in the glaze.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): A touch of gooey sweetness gives the sauce body and shine; swap for maple syrup to make it vegan.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): The brightness that lifts and lightens the glaze.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled into the sauce, these tiny seeds deliver bursts of nuttiness and texture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For punch and aromatic depth in every bite.
- Fresh ginger (1/2 teaspoon, grated): Just enough to bring zippy, peppery warmth to the glaze.
- Green onions (sliced, for garnish): A final flourish of fresh color and gentle bite when serving.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season as you go for best results!
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture—this is a make-or-break move for crunchiness. Cut into bite-sized cubes, halve your Brussels sprouts, and get your other ingredients measured out and ready. The smoother your prep, the faster everything comes together.
Step 2: Coat and Arrange for Roasting
Toss your tofu cubes with cornstarch, one tablespoon of vegetable oil, and a generous pinch of salt. This magic combo forms that addictively crispy crust. On the other side of a parchment-lined baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts with the remaining oil, salt, and black pepper. Spreading them separate but side-by-side ensures everything gets golden without steaming.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Slide the tray into a piping hot 425°F (220°C) oven. Halfway through roasting (about 15 minutes in), give those tofu cubes and Brussels sprouts a flip—this promotes even browning and maximum crunch. In roughly 25 to 30 minutes, everything should be delightfully crisp and deeply caramelized at the edges.
Step 4: Make the Honey-Sesame Glaze
While the oven works its magic, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for just a few minutes until slightly thickened and glossy—don’t walk away, as it can bubble up fast. Off the heat, stir in sesame seeds for their subtle crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
As soon as your tofu and Brussels sprouts are roasted, transfer them to a big mixing bowl. Pour over that fragrant honey-sesame glaze and toss until everything is beautifully coated. Pile onto a serving platter, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and dive in while it’s warm and shimmering!
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze
Garnishes
A shower of sliced green onions instantly brightens the whole dish with color and a gentle onion bite. For extra flair, try an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds or even a tiny flurry of red pepper flakes if you’re in a spicy mood. Garnishes not only make the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze look stunning, but add fresh texture and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve this right over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or nutty quinoa for a simple, satisfying meal. It’s also stellar alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, creamy miso soup, or even a scoop of garlicky mashed sweet potatoes. These pairings round things out and soak up every last drop of that luscious glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Try loading the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or, nestle everything into grain bowls with avocado, pickled veggies, and crunchy cabbage for a lunch-worthy power bowl. The leftovers even shine cold in wraps or tucked into whole-wheat pitas for a veggie-forward sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, though the tofu’s crispness will soften. Keep garnishes like green onions and extra sesame seeds separate until serving for the freshest results.
Freezing
While you can freeze portions of this dish, keep in mind that tofu becomes a bit chewier and the Brussels sprouts lose their signature roasted edge after thawing. If you must freeze, portion the tofu and veggies (without the glaze) in freezer-safe containers for up to a month, then glaze freshly after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, spread them on a lined baking sheet and reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway through to restore a bit of crispness. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that craveable texture. Add a dash of soy sauce or a fresh drizzle of glaze to perk things up before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The sauce will still be perfectly glossy and deliciously sweet, keeping the entire dish plant-based.
How do I get my tofu extra crispy every time?
Pressing the tofu is crucial—aim for at least 20 minutes under weight to remove as much moisture as possible. Coating the cubes evenly in cornstarch and using a hot oven help guarantee those crave-worthy golden edges.
What can I use instead of Brussels sprouts?
You can substitute with broccoli florets or halved baby carrots, adjusting roasting time as needed. The honey-sesame glaze works wonders with a variety of roasted veggies!
Is the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you select a certified gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), the entire dish remains naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Just use a second baking sheet to avoid overcrowding so everything roasts instead of steaming. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze tastes fantastic for lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze, let this be your personal invitation! It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s as easy as it is impressive—perfect for sharing, but so good you may want to keep it all to yourself. Give it a spin and discover why these flavors have a way of turning even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptic into a lifelong fan.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with a delectable Honey-Sesame Glaze. This Asian-inspired dish is a perfect combination of crispy tofu, tender Brussels sprouts, and a flavorful glaze that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Tofu:
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey-Sesame Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tofu: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and salt. Spread on one side of a lined baking sheet.
- Roast Tofu and Brussels Sprouts: On the other side of the baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts with remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Coat Tofu and Brussels Sprouts: Toss roasted tofu and Brussels sprouts with the glaze. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Use maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
