Sesame Quinoa + Tofu
Sesame Quinoa and Tofu is a simple recipe using mostly pantry staples. It’s ready in about 50 minutes, and is vegan and gluten-free!
This is one of those recipes that surprises you. I love quinoa and am always looking for new ways to prepare it. At first, I thought this wasn’t going to be a very flavorful dish, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was full of flavor!
Sesame Quinoa + Tofu
This recipe comes from my Cooking Light Annual Recipes Book, dating back to 2003 (I have a collection of these and will be posting recipes from these here and there). I didn’t change much from the original recipe. I only added a dash of garlic powder and upped the green onion amount.
This minimalist ingredient list really packs great flavor and nutrition. Tofu, quinoa, and sesame seeds are all excellent foods for healthy, happy living. It also makes for great leftovers, if there are any!
Tofu
Tofu is a complete protein that is great for vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking to cut back on higher-fat meals. It’s full of good nutrition.
Tofu is easy to cook with and extremely versatile. It doesn’t have much flavor on its own, but it takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a whole-grain seed that is naturally rich in fiber and protein. It is also a great source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, and potassium. This wonderful ingredient is also gluten-free and a complete protein, providing all nine of the essential amino acids.
If you find quinoa a bit bitter, be sure to rinse it under running water using a fine mesh sieve before cooking.
This Sesame Quinoa + Tofu recipe is simple and healthy, and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Cheers to the simples!
More Easy Recipes!
If you try this easy tofu and quinoa recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
SESAME QUINOA + TOFU
Minimalist ingredients that really packs flavor, as well as nutrition. Quinoa, tofu and sesame seeds make for a happy, healthy meal!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Entree
- Method: saute, simmer
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 14 ounces firm or extra firm organic tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white, black or toasted)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 –2 tablespoons tamari (or coconut amino’s or soy sauce)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (I used tri-color)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1/4 teaspoon himalayan salt, or to taste
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup green onions, sliced (pale green and white parts only)
Instructions
Prep tofu: Place tofu on several layers of heavy-duty paper towels or dish cloth, let stand 20 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Saute tofu: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add tofu and dash of garlic powder, saute 3 minutes, add tamari and sesame seeds, cook another 2 minutes or so, until tofu is lightly golden on each side. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
Cook quinoa: In the same pan over medium heat, add quinoa and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add broth and salt and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, add tofu but do not stir, and let it set for 10 minutes to soak up the rest of the water. Add onions and fluff everything together with a fork or spoon.
Serve: We love pairing ours with a side of steamed broccoli, but you can use your favorite veggie. If you like, top with a little extra tamari and sesame seeds, plus a little fresh cracked pepper.
Serves 4
Notes
Planning ahead, if you’re gone for the day but want to make this at night. Drain tofu and let it set in the fridge between heavy duty paper towels or dish cloth, it will be ready when you get home so you can have a meal within 30 min or so.
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So effin’ good because it was so simple. Simple Veganista strikes again! You should have more of these super simple dishes. They slap my butt so hard. Thank you for this recipe.
Loved this. I made it as written since this was my first time trying the recipe. Has anyone tried adding shiitake mushrooms with the tofu then proceeding with the recipe? I’m going to try that the next time I serve this.
Thanks for a great addition to my dinner rotation!
Just made this for dinner, and I am currently typing this as I am eating it. This recipe is extremely good! I’m usually not fond of tofu but this recipe has turned me into a fan! Thank you for this great recipe! It’s extremely delicious and healthy!
DELICIOUS! thanks for another yum recipe.
LOVE it!! Super yummy and easy to make. Definitely making this a regular!
I wonder how smoked tofu wouuld do in it. Thoughts?
How many does this serve, I want to feed four adults and add more tofu.
The quinoa will serve 3 – 4. I would suggest using a block of tofu at least 8 oz. up to a 14 oz. block. You may want to add more seasoning to suit your taste with the extra tofu. This recipe was done awhile ago and I should've upped the tofu amount then. I will change the recipe asap. Hope everyone enjoys it! :)
Great recipe but where you said bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes, you should have said lower heat and let simmer because I totally burnt the crap out of my quinoa and had to start over haha! My mistake for not assuming the obvious but I'm sure others might make the same mistake.
I made this ;ast night with no problem though and it was DELICIOUS.
Sorry about that! I'm so glad you liked this recipe though, it's so simple and delicious. I'm going to have to make this again soon. I changed the recipe to be a bit more clear. Thank you so much for letting me know so it won't happen to others. Cheers :)
Good asain inspired vegan dinner. I added shaved carrots for color. Delicious.