If you have been searching for a vibrant, flavorful meal that combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly roasted vegetables with the delightful texture of crispy tofu, look no further. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe brings together a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, all wrapped up in a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress friends with something both wholesome and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy crunch of Brussels sprouts to the silky, crunch-coated tofu and the sweet-savory glaze that ties everything together, these simple essentials will make your kitchen smell incredible and your palate sing.
- Brussels sprouts (1 lb): Fresh and halved for even roasting and natural caramelization.
- Firm tofu (14 oz block): Pressed and cubed to achieve maximum crispiness without excess moisture.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to coat the sprouts and tofu, encouraging browning and rich flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp plus 1 tsp dissolved): The secret to that irresistible tofu crust and thickening the glaze perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance and balance flavors.
- Soy sauce or tamari (3 tbsp): Adds a deep umami punch, with tamari as a gluten-free alternative.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp): Provides sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze coating every bite.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): A little goes a long way for that warmed, nutty aroma.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp grated): Offers subtle spice and freshness.
- Garlic (1 clove minced): Adds pungent depth and warmth.
- Sesame seeds: For garnishing and adding a delicate crunch.
- Chopped green onions: To brighten and enrich each bite visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps everything from sticking and helps with even cooking. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts and tofu cubes.
Step 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with salt and pepper. This coating promotes browning and enhances their natural nutty flavor. Arrange them neatly on one side of your baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to roast rather than steam.
Step 3: Prepare the Tofu
Coat the pressed tofu cubes with the remaining olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The cornstarch is crucial here—it creates that crunchy, golden crust that tofu lovers dream of. Spread the tofu out on the opposite side of the baking sheet, allowing room so each piece crisps up evenly.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast both Brussels sprouts and tofu for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip everything halfway through to ensure the tofu crisps on all sides and the Brussels sprouts develop those irresistible caramelized edges. The aroma at this stage is sure to get your mouth watering!
Step 5: Make the Honey-Sesame Glaze
While everything is roasting, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, which releases all those lovely aromatic flavors.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
Slowly stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to the simmering sauce and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency. This thick glaze will beautifully coat the tofu and Brussels sprouts without being runny.
Step 7: Combine and Glaze
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy tofu into a large bowl. Immediately toss them with the honey-sesame glaze to ensure every bite is bursting with that sweet and savory magic.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. These garnishes add extra texture and fresh bursts of flavor, making your meal as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions are the classic finishing touches that not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a delightful crunch and pop of color. Feel free to add a few chili flakes for a spicy kick or some crushed peanuts for extra texture.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up every drop of that luscious glaze. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside a simple noodle salad or a fresh cucumber salad to contrast the warm, rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish on a rustic wooden platter for a casual family-style dinner or plate it elegantly on a white dish with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of microgreens. For gatherings, you can serve the tofu and sprouts over a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant, healthy bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy tofu keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While you can freeze the tofu cubes after roasting, Brussels sprouts tend to lose some texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, it’s best to keep them separate and reheat the tofu on its own for the best results.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. This method helps maintain the tofu’s crunch and refreshes the Brussels sprouts’ caramelized edges, making your meal feel freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best here because they roast up nicely and get that natural caramelization the recipe relies on. Frozen sprouts can be used in a pinch but may become mushy instead of crispy.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Just swap honey for maple syrup and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to ensure the dish is entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of tofu should I use for the best texture?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal for this recipe. Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up beautifully when roasted.
Can I make the honey-sesame glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat it gently before tossing with the roasted ingredients to refresh its texture.
How can I add more protein to this meal?
For an extra protein boost, consider adding roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like cashews or almonds along with the tofu and Brussels sprouts.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, packing a punch of flavor with every mouthful. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a beloved staple that you reach for time and time again.
Print
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Plant-based, Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and healthy dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy tofu tossed in a flavorful honey-sesame glaze. This recipe combines caramelized vegetables and perfectly crisp tofu with a sweet and tangy sauce, making it a satisfying vegan-friendly option that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Tofu
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Seasonings & Coatings
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (divided)
- 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. Arrange them on one side of the prepared baking sheet for roasting.
- Prepare Tofu: Coat the cubed tofu with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Spread the tofu cubes evenly on the other side of the baking sheet, keeping them separate from the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping both the Brussels sprouts and tofu halfway through the cooking time until the sprouts are caramelized and the tofu is crispy on the outside.
- 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, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken Glaze: Add the dissolved cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat once thickened and glossy.
- Combine and Toss: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and tofu to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-sesame glaze over them and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for garnish. Serve the dish warm as a main or side dish.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu helps remove excess moisture for crispier texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Maple syrup can substitute for honey to keep the dish vegan.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess of the glaze by modifying honey and vinegar quantities.
- Make sure to flip the sprouts and tofu halfway through roasting for even cooking.
