If you’re craving a dish that brings together the satisfying crisp of perfectly roasted vegetables and the delightful crunch of tofu, then this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe is calling your name. With a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and subtle tang, it’s a dish that feels fancy yet comes together effortlessly. The golden, caramelized Brussels sprouts paired with crispy tofu cubes glazed in a luscious honey-sesame sauce make for an irresistibly comforting meal, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making magic happen in your kitchen. This recipe shines because each ingredient is simple yet essential, lending unique texture, flavor, and a burst of color that brings the entire plate to life.
- Brussels sprouts (1 lb): Fresh and trimmed, halving them ensures a perfect roast and caramelization.
- Firm tofu (14 oz block): Pressed to remove moisture, so it crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a subtle richness and helps crisp up both tofu and sprouts.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): The secret to that irresistible crunch on your tofu cubes.
- Salt and pepper: The go-to seasoning that highlights every other flavor.
- Soy sauce or tamari (3 tbsp): Provides the perfect salty, umami base for the honey-sesame glaze.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp): Brings sweetness and a sticky, beautiful glaze.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Adds a nutty aroma and deepens the glaze’s flavor.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Introduces a bright, tangy note to balance all the sweetness.
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp, grated): Gives a warm, slightly spicy zing that perks up the glaze.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Classic flavor that builds savory depth.
- Cornstarch dissolved in water (1 tsp in 2 tbsp): Thickens the glaze for that perfect coating.
- Sesame seeds: For that final nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Chopped green onions: Freshness and a pop of green to finish off the dish.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This easy prep step ensures your Brussels sprouts and tofu don’t stick and roast evenly, setting you up for crisp, golden results every time.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Brussels Sprouts
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on one side of your baking sheet in a single layer to give them room to caramelize and develop that deep, toasty flavor we all love.
Step 3: Prepare the Tofu for Roasting
Give your pressed and cubed tofu a generous coating of the remaining olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial for turning tofu into irresistible crispy cubes. Arrange the tofu evenly on the other side of the baking sheet so it roasts separately yet alongside the sprouts.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy and Caramelized
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to flip both the tofu and Brussels sprouts about halfway through roasting. This guarantees an even, golden-brown crust on the tofu and beautifully caramelized veggies bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Whip Up the Honey-Sesame Glaze
While everything is roasting, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, which lets all those wonderful flavors meld together.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
Stir in the pre-made cornstarch-water mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Remove it from the heat to preserve its shiny finish, getting it ready for the final toss.
Step 7: Toss and Serve With Style
Transfer the golden Brussels sprouts and crispy tofu to a large bowl and douse them in the luscious honey-sesame glaze. Toss gently to coat every bite in that irresistible sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add texture, color, and an extra layer of flavor. Serve warm and watch your friends and family dig right in.
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top offers that final burst of nutty crunch and vibrant color, completely elevating this dish’s presentation and flavor. A tiny drizzle of extra glaze before serving never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or even a simple quinoa salad for a more wholesome meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve alongside garlic noodles or a light cucumber salad to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the roasted Brussels sprouts and tofu over warm rice bowls and garnish with crushed peanuts or chili flakes to add texture and a little heat. You can also serve it wrapped in lettuce cups for a hands-on, fresh bite that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tofu will stay crispy if you reheat it correctly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
While not ideal to freeze after glazing, you can freeze the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy tofu separately before adding the honey-sesame glaze. Wrap them well to avoid freezer burn, and use within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
To bring back the tofu’s crunch and the sprouts’ delicious caramelization, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or spread on a baking sheet and pop in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes. Then toss again with fresh glaze to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best because they roast up crispy and caramelize nicely. Frozen ones tend to get soggy, but if that’s what you have, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before roasting.
Is there a vegan alternative for the honey in the glaze?
Absolutely! Maple syrup is a perfect vegan substitute that still gives the glaze that lovely sweetness and sticky texture.
How do I press tofu properly?
Wrap your tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes. This removes excess moisture and helps it crisp when cooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and you’re good to go.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty depth, you can substitute it with a mild olive oil. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit less pronounced.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe is honestly one of those happy accidents that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and watch this dish become a fast favorite in your kitchen rotation!
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu dish features caramelized Brussels sprouts paired with golden, crispy tofu cubes, all coated in a luscious honey-sesame glaze. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a satisfying vegetarian meal that’s packed with texture and nutrition. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
For Roasting
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Honey-Sesame Glaze
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Toss Brussels Sprouts: In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Spread them out on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Tofu: Coat the pressed and cubed tofu with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps create a crispy texture when roasted. Arrange the tofu cubes on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the Brussels sprouts and tofu halfway through. Roast until the Brussels sprouts are caramelized and tender, and the tofu is golden and crispy.
- Make the Glaze: While roasting, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Glaze: Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Remove from heat to prevent over-thickening.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and tofu into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey-sesame glaze over them and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed vegetables and tofu for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu properly before roasting helps achieve a crispier texture by removing excess moisture.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure tamari is used instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
- You can prepare the glaze in advance and reheat gently before tossing with the roasted ingredients.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salty soy sauce or tamari.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently to maintain texture.
