If you’re on the hunt for a dish that balances bold flavors with irresistible textures, you’ll absolutely adore this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe. It brings together caramelized Brussels sprouts and golden, crispy tofu cubes coated in a luscious, sticky glaze that glimmers with honey and toasty sesame notes. Every bite feels like a celebration of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy, with just the right crunch and tenderness. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to add a vibrant plant-based meal to your rotation, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy Brussels sprouts to the perfectly crispy tofu, everything comes together beautifully thanks to a few well-chosen pantry staples.
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh, trimmed, and halved to caramelize perfectly in the oven.
- Firm tofu: Pressed and cubed to get that crispy outside and tender inside.
- Olive oil: Used to coat both sprouts and tofu for roasting and crisping.
- Cornstarch: Helps achieve tofu’s signature crisp texture and thickens the glaze.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Adds umami depth and salty richness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the soy.
- Sesame oil: Gives that unmistakable nutty aroma and taste.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the glaze.
- Fresh ginger: Offers warmth and a hint of spice.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for fragrant, savory undertones.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for added texture and toasty flavor.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh and crisp for garnish and color pop.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything prepped before roasting makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts
Grab your halved Brussels sprouts and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This simple coating helps them crisp up and caramelize beautifully, turning the edges golden and slightly sweet as they roast.
Step 3: Prepare the Tofu
Next, take your pressed tofu cubes and give them a quick toss with the remaining olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating is key—it creates that crave-worthy crunchy crust while keeping the inside tender and satisfying.
Step 4: Roast Everything
Arrange the Brussels sprouts on one side of the baking sheet and the tofu cubes on the other. Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping everything halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when the sprouts are caramelized and the tofu is perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Make the Honey-Sesame Glaze
While the roasting happens, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Warm this mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Then, stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water and cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens into a shiny, syrupy sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Once roasted, gently transfer the Brussels sprouts and tofu into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey-sesame glaze over the top and toss everything together so every bite gets that glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish. These add a wonderful crunch and fresh bite, elevating the final presentation and flavor.
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the sesame seeds and green onions called for in the recipe, you can boost the visual charm and flavor with a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like cashews or almonds. A few red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that contrasts delightfully with the sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish works wonderfully as a main or side. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that honey-sesame goodness or alongside simple garlic noodles for a quick Asian-inspired meal. A crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also add refreshing crunch and balance the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy tofu over a bed of warm soba noodles tossed in sesame oil. Another idea is to use it as a filling for wraps or rice paper rolls, adding fresh herbs and crunchy veggies for contrast, turning this honey-sesame glaze star into a handheld delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tofu and Brussels sprouts together in the glaze preserves flavors, but for optimal crispiness, you might want to store tofu separately if you plan to reheat.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the Brussels sprouts and tofu changes slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze, place the glazed mixture in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This method refreshes the tofu’s crunch and nicely warms the glazed sprouts. Avoid overheating to keep the glaze from burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for roasting because they crisp up beautifully. Frozen sprouts tend to become a bit soggy. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat dry thoroughly before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
How do I press tofu properly?
Pressing tofu removes excess water, which is essential for crispiness. Wrap the block in a clean towel and place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet, on top for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This results in firmer tofu that fries and roasts better.
Is this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe vegan?
It can be! Just swap out honey for maple syrup or another vegan-friendly sweetener and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and naturally delicious.
Can I make the honey-sesame glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just gently reheat it before tossing with the roasted veggies and tofu to make sure it’s warm and silky.
What kind of tofu is best for crisping in this recipe?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal. It holds its shape well and crisps up nicely when coated with cornstarch and roasted. Avoid silken tofu as it’s too delicate and won’t get that satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that marries simplicity with sophisticated flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and joy to the table. Give it a try soon and savor every delightful bite!
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: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu dish features caramelized Brussels sprouts and perfectly crispy tofu cubes, all coated in a flavorful honey-sesame glaze. A perfect plant-based entrée or side that’s both satisfying and vibrant, blending sweet, savory, and tangy notes with a crispy texture contrast.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Oils and Starches
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided: 1 tbsp for Brussels sprouts, 1 tbsp for tofu)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (divided: 1 tbsp for tofu coating, 1 tsp for glaze thickening)
Seasoning
- 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 prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on one side of the baking sheet.
- Prepare Tofu: Coat cubed, pressed tofu with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Arrange the tofu cubes on the other side of the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the Brussels sprouts and tofu halfway through. Roast until the Brussels sprouts are caramelized and the tofu is golden and crispy.
- 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 gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Glaze: Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water and cook the glaze for 1-2 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat.
- Combine and Toss: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and tofu to a large bowl. Pour the honey-sesame glaze over them and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Press tofu well beforehand to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Maple syrup is a great substitute for honey to make this dish vegan.
- Make sure to flip Brussels sprouts and tofu halfway through roasting for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
