By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 3, 2026
Serves 4
97 cal · 30 min
Sesame Marinated Tofu
Recipe GLPRe0358818fc4776
Tender blocks of extra-firm tofu infused with a savory-umami marinade of tamari soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and aromatic garlic, then topped with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. This simple plant-based dish delivers bold Asian flavors in every bite and pairs beautifully with rice or stir-fried vegetables.
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Ingredients
16 ounces extra-firm tofu
3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
3 to 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any excess liquid. Gently pat the tofu dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then slice it into 4 equal blocks, each roughly ¾ inch thick.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and evenly blended.
Arrange the tofu blocks in a shallow dish or on a serving platter. Pour the marinade evenly over the tofu, allowing it to coat all surfaces. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 to 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds (if using) over the top of each tofu block.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as part of a larger meal with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Comments
Tofu, garlic, and sesame seeds are mainstream at all Charlotte chains including Walmart and ALDI, but tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) requires a stop at Harris Teeter's international aisle or ALDI, adding a real errand to weeknight prep. The 30-minute timer understates reality: pressing tofu to absorb marinade properly takes 15–20 minutes on its own, making actual hands-on time closer to 45 minutes unless you skip pressing and accept soggy results. Cost per serving runs $2–2.50 driven by tofu and the sesame seeds, making it budget-friendly. It's a no-fuss side or light protein that reheats adequately, fitting well for meal prep, but the marinade time caveat and the tamari trip mean this works best when you're already planning a Harris Teeter run.
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