Could I use meat instead of tofu?

Sure can! Chicken would be a great option here. Cube your chicken and then follow the directions as listed until the chicken is cooked through.

If I can't get apricot reserves, would other jams/preserves work in this recipe?

Yes! Orange and peach come to mind as other flavor options that would work well in this.

What is high protein tofu?

High protein tofu is typically “super firm” and is much denser than typical tofu - often, you don't even need to press any water out. Your typical extra firm tofu will work great here, just a little protein and texture boost if you can find the high-protein stuff!

Sesame Apricot Tofu Recipe

Description

Torn-up tofu pan-fried into crispiness and made saucy, sticky, and sweet into this Sesame Apricot Tofu. An easy, simple vegetarian dinner that’s deliciously saving my life!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Crispy Tofu:

1 block of extra firm tofu (high protein tofu works really well in this recipe, if you can find it!)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil

Apricot Sauce:

1/3 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoons soy sauce
1–2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon each cumin, paprika, and onion powder
1–2 cloves garlic, grated (2 for more garlic flavor, obviously)
1/4 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

Extras for Serving:

1 cup rice
12 ounces steamed green beans
1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil to taste
1/4 cup chives and/or cilantro for topping

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Instructions

Cut the tofu block in half horizontally (like a hamburger). If using extra firm high protein tofu, it helps to cut it in half again horizontally. Press the water out of the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels and setting a few heavy books on top of it. Let it stay like that for a few minutes while you prep the sauce.
Whisk the sauce ingredients together.
Take each piece of tofu and gently pull it into small chunks with your hands (this just gives the tofu pieces a unique shape and texture that holds onto the sauce really well). Place the chunks in a bowl. Toss with soy sauce and a teaspoon or two of olive oil; then sprinkle with cornstarch and give it a few gentle tosses to coat.
Before your start browning your tofu, cook your rice according to package directions and start your green beans! Steam, microwave, sautè – whatever your preferred green bean method is.
In a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and then add the cornstarched tofu. Leave it undisturbed for a few minutes on each side, letting it get really nice and brown and crispy – this can take 10-15 minutes. Flip and repeat until the whole batch is browned and crispy.
Finally, add the sauce to the tofu and remove from heat – the pan will still be hot, so it’ll be sizzly and smell really good from the garlic. The sauce will coat the tofu right away. *heart eyes*
Top with the chives and/or cilantro and sesame oil. Serve with rice and green beans, and finish with more salt and lots of black pepper to taste. The tender crunch of the beans with the steamy rice and sticky tofu! SO good.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: tofu recipe, dinner recipe, sesame stir-fry, vegetarian stir-fry, vegan recipe