Light, crispy, and full of flavor, this Sesame Tofu Salad is the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Golden tofu bites, fresh veggies, and a rich, nutty sesame dressing come together for a refreshing dish that’s a must-try for tofu lovers!
Filipinos like salad recipes. Some of many people's favorites are Fruit Salad, Macaroni Salad, and Talbos ng Kamote Salad recipe. Check them out, too!
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What is Sesame Tofu Salad?
Sesame Tofu Salad is a light and flavorful dish made with crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a nutty sesame dressing.
In this Filipino-inspired version, we infuse the tofu with a savory-sweet marinade featuring lemongrass, garlic, and calamansi juice, giving it a distinctively tropical and citrusy touch. The addition of mango and annatto oil further highlights the vibrant, bold flavors of Filipino cooking, while keeping the light, fresh essence of a sesame tofu salad.
Health Benefits of Sesame Dressing
- high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol and support overall heart health.
- contain sesamin and sesamol, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
- great source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help maintain strong bones.
- help strengthen the immune system and improve skin health.
- Vinegar in the dressing promotes gut health and digestion, while sesame oil may help lubricate the intestines and prevent constipation.
Substitutions
- Extra-firm tofu - Tempeh (for a firmer texture) or chickpea tofu (soy-free option)
- Lemongrass stalks - Lemongrass paste (1 tsp per stalk) or zest of 1 lime for a citrusy aroma
- Annatto oil - Paprika-infused oil or turmeric oil (for color and mild flavor)
- Soy sauce - Tamari (gluten-free) or liquid aminos (lower sodium)
- Brown sugar - Maple syrup for subtle sweetness or agave nectar for a different sweetness
Variations
- Spicy - Add sriracha or gochujang to the sesame dressing for a spicy kick. Sprinkle chili flakes or sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Citrus - Mix orange or grapefruit juice into the dressing for a tangy flavor. Add mandarin orange slices and toasted almonds for extra freshness.
- Protein-Packed - Add quinoa, chickpeas, or edamame for an extra protein boost. Top with soft-boiled eggs or roasted almonds for added richness.
- Summer Tropical - Mix in mango, pineapple, or papaya for a sweet and tropical twist. Swap romaine lettuce for coconut-infused rice as a base.
- Cabbage and Carrot Crunch - Add shredded red cabbage and grated carrots into the salad for added texture and color. Use a tahini dressing for a creamy element, and top with sliced green onions for freshness.
- Broccoli Avocado Delight - Add steamed broccoli florets and diced avocado for a nutrient-packed boost. Drizzle with rice vinegar and sesame dressing, and garnish with cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad (without dressing) stays fresh for up to 3 days, while the dressing lasts up to 1 week. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
- Tofu Storage: If using crispy tofu, store it separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a pan or air fryer to restore its texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh veggies and tofu can become soggy once thawed. However, the sesame dressing excess can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- extra-firm tofu
- lemongrass stalks
- garlic
- ginger
- calamansi juice or lemon juice
- annatto oil
- brown sugar
- soy sauce
- salt
- ground black pepper
- sesame dressing
- tomatoes
- small cucumber
- mango
- romaine lettuce
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
In a food processor, blend the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, calamansi juice, annatto oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the blended marinade over the 1-inch cubes in a small bowl.
Cover with cling film and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Grill the marinated tofu cubes until all sides are lightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and mango. Then, drizzle with sesame dressing and mix well.
Top the salad with grilled inasal tofu. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hint: For a more flavorful Inasal-style Tofu, let it marinate overnight.
⭐ Top Tip
Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, pan-fry the tofu over medium heat until crispy and browned.
Customization: Add toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture.
FAQ
More Recipes
If you're a fan of tofu recipes and salad recipes alike, here's some more for you to try:
Sesame Tofu Salad
Ingredients
For the Marinated Tofu:
- 8 ounces extra-firm tofu pressed and diced
- 2 lemongrass stalks chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized ginger sliced
- ¼ cup calamansi juice or lemon juice
- ¼ cup annatto oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
For the Salad:
- ¼ cup sesame dressing
- ½ cup tomatoes sliced
- 1 small cucumber diced
- 1 mango peeled and diced
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped (without the bottom part)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a food processor, blend lemongrass, garlic, ginger, calamansi juice, annatto oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the diced tofu, mix well, and cover with cling film. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.
Grill the Tofu:
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.
- Grill the tofu on all sides until slightly charred and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and mango.
- Drizzle with sesame dressing and toss gently.
Top with Grilled Tofu:
- Arrange the grilled tofu on top of the salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Watch The Recipe Video!
Liz says
I'm always looking for new ways to make salad and this looks amazing! 🤩🤩🤩
Sheen says
This looks so yummy! Might try this one soon.
Julius says
45 minutes? worth it!
Sweet says
Yummy! Gonna try this soon
Claire M says
What sesame dressing did you use for this Lainey? I have no idea what to pick? Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Cheng says
I love how simple, healthy, and delicious this recipe looks. I'd like to try this one soon!
Dimple says
Oh this is the recipe I have been waiting for. Kudos Simply Bakings!! Simple and yet delicious for sure!!
Sonia says
Thank you for sharing this recipe - I love tofu and enjoy new ways to make tofu, this was lovely!
Lisa says
Easy and delicious...I meal-prepped this for lunch this week, it worked great.
Ashleigh says
Yum, looks delicious!!
Maayke says
I love the addition of annatto oil!! Thanks for the recipe.
Delaney says
This looks so good! Can't wait to try this one as an easy summer salad!
Aira says
I recently tried the Sesame Tofu Salad recipe from Simply Bakings, and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and the flavorful sesame dressing made for a light yet satisfying meal. I loved how easy the recipe was to follow, with clear step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way. The balance of textures—crunchy, soft, and creamy—was perfect, and the sesame dressing tied everything together beautifully.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is that it's both healthy and full of flavor. It's a great option for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish. I’ll definitely be making this again! Highly recommend trying it if you're looking for a nutritious and tasty salad.
Dimple says
This is one of my favorite recipes!