If you’ve ever wondered how to turn everyday ingredients into a spectacular weeknight dinner, you’re about to meet your new favorite: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze. This vibrant, Asian-inspired recipe delivers golden, crunchy tofu and sweetly caramelized Brussels sprouts, all tossed in a luscious honey-sesame glaze. The contrasting textures and bold flavors make every bite genuinely exciting, and it’s a perfect balance of simple prep and restaurant-worthy satisfaction. Whether you’re new to tofu or a longtime Brussels sprouts fan, this dish is a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that transforms just a handful of basic ingredients into a meal full of color and flavor. Each component here enhances either the rich umami, the crispiness, or the fresh brightness that makes Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze so unforgettable.
- Extra-firm tofu (14 ounces, pressed and cubed): The foundation for maximum crispiness and chewy goodness—pressing out excess moisture makes all the difference!
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and halved): These little green gems roast up sweet and caramelized, delivering that craveable golden edge.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps both tofu and sprouts get beautifully golden in the oven—don’t skimp!
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Your secret weapon for giving tofu those irresistible crispy edges.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out every nuanced flavor, keeping both veggies and tofu lively and bright.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of warmth—freshly ground is best.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers that deep, savory base for the glaze—regular or low-sodium both work great.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Makes the honey-sesame glaze sticky, glossy, and just sweet enough (swap with maple syrup for a vegan twist).
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances out the sweetness and salt with a tangy lift.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A drizzle here adds irresistible nutty fragrance—so much flavor in every drop.
- Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon): Zings up the glaze with a pop of warming spice; freshly grated makes a big difference.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Adds a savory backbone and aromatic bite to the glaze.
- Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Sprinkle these on at the end for extra crunch and gorgeous presentation.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Their mild, oniony crunch finishes the dish with a bright accent.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Preheat your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu to remove as much water as possible—this step is truly key for getting those little cubes addictive and crisp. Meanwhile, halve your Brussels sprouts so they get plenty of surface area for caramelization, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep everything from sticking.
Step 2: Toss and Coat
In a big bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, half of the olive oil, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and all of the black pepper. The cornstarch forms a delicate coating that crisps up so nicely in the hot oven. Spread the tofu pieces out in an even layer on one side of your baking sheet. Then, toss your Brussels sprouts with the remaining olive oil and salt, spreading them on the other side—don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll miss out on those golden edges.
Step 3: Roast to Caramelized Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. At the halfway point, use a spatula to flip the tofu cubes and give the Brussels sprouts a stir—this helps ensure every bit gets evenly browned and tasty. When you see golden, crisp tofu and sprouts tender with deep caramel edges, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Make the Honey-Sesame Glaze
While the oven works its magic, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly thickened and glossy—that shine is the sign you’ve nailed the honey-sesame glaze.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Once your tofu and Brussels sprouts have finished roasting, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour over the warm honey-sesame glaze and gently toss to coat every piece—you want all the flavors to mingle. Right before serving, sprinkle on the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for both crunch and color.
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches—those toasted sesame seeds add extra crunch, while fresh green onions brighten up the whole plate with a gentle zing. If you like a hint of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes looks beautiful and tastes amazing.
Side Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze is fantastic on its own, but it absolutely shines served over fluffy jasmine rice or nutty quinoa. If you want to round out the meal, toss together a simple cucumber salad or lightly sautéed baby bok choy for a fresh, cooling contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dish into bold Buddha bowls layered with steamed rice, avocado slices, and your favorite pickled veggies. Or, serve it family-style on a big platter—let everyone help themselves and drizzle extra glaze tableside for customizable flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some of this irresistible dish left over (hard to imagine!), let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great lunch option the next day.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze, the texture is best enjoyed fresh. The tofu and Brussels sprouts may lose their crispness upon thawing, though the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
To revive maximum crispiness, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), spread the leftovers on a baking sheet, and reheat for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy at the edges. A quick toss in a dry skillet over medium heat also works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and every glorious bite of this dish will be completely plant-based and just as delicious.
Do I have to press the tofu?
Pressing the tofu removes excess water, ensuring you get that signature crispiness. If you skip this step, the tofu might not brown properly or hold its shape, so it’s worth the extra few minutes.
What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts for roasting?
Halving each Brussels sprout exposes more surface area for caramelization and ensures tender insides with crispy outsides, giving you the best flavor and texture balance.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is best for getting those crispy, caramelized edges, but in a pinch, thawed and well-drained frozen Brussels sprouts can be roasted—just spread them out well to avoid steaming.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze gluten-free, use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Everything else is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that always wins hearts (and empty plates) at my table. The combination of crisp, caramelized veggies, golden tofu, and that dreamy glaze keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Dive in, enjoy, and make it your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and wholesome recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with a delectable Honey-Sesame Glaze. Perfect for a flavorful vegetarian main course with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Tofu: Toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on one side of the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the remaining olive oil and salt. Spread on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Roast: Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tofu is golden and sprouts are caramelized.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Coat and Serve: Transfer tofu and sprouts to a bowl, drizzle with glaze, toss gently, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
