If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of sweetness, then you’re going to absolutely love this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe. The vibrant caramelization on the Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with the golden, crispy tofu, while the honey-sesame glaze adds a deliciously sticky and savory finish that will make your taste buds sing. It’s an ideal meal for anyone craving something healthy yet indulgent, easy to prepare but impressive enough for company. Let me walk you through all the steps to create this favorite dish in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe shine, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each bring their own special contribution to the final dish’s balance of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a role in creating that irresistible combination you’ll want again and again.
- Brussels sprouts (1 lb): Fresh and halved for caramelizing crisp edges and tender centers.
- Firm tofu (14 oz block): Pressed and cubed to get delightfully crispy on the outside while soft inside.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps everything roast to golden perfection, adding richness and moisture.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp + 1 tsp dissolved): Key for giving tofu that irresistible crunch and thickening the glaze.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
- Soy sauce or tamari (3 tbsp): Brings a deep umami kiss and slight saltiness to the glaze.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp): Adds just the right touch of sweetness for a perfectly balanced glaze.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Imparts a fragrant nutty note that elevates the entire dish.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings bright acidity that cuts through sweetness for a harmonious glaze.
- Grated fresh ginger (1 tsp) and minced garlic (1 clove): These aromatics add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Sesame seeds: For garnishing with a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor on top.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, setting the perfect stage for roasting magic.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Brussels Sprouts
Toss those halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning allows their natural sweetness to come forward during roasting. Arrange them neatly on one side of the baking sheet to give them room to brown beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Tofu for Roasting
Next, coat your cubed tofu in the remaining olive oil and cornstarch, along with salt and pepper. This step is crucial because the cornstarch creates that coveted crispy coating once roasted. Spread the tofu cubes out on the opposite side of your baking sheet, giving them enough space to crisp up all around.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy and Caramelized
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and let the Brussels sprouts and tofu roast for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so both sides develop a gorgeous caramel color and crispy texture. This patience pays off with fantastic flavor and texture contrast.
Step 5: Whip Up the Honey-Sesame Glaze
While your veggies and tofu are roasting, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat—it’s amazing how this simple blend transforms into something magical.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water and cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens to a luscious, sticky consistency. This glaze will coat your Brussels sprouts and tofu perfectly, so don’t rush this step.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and tofu to a large bowl, then pour the honey-sesame glaze over them. Toss gently to make sure every bite is glossy, flavorful, and utterly delectable.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and crunch. Serve your Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe warm, and get ready for compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delicate crunch and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the dish’s sweet and savory notes. Feel free to add a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an even richer aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. For a heartier meal, throw in a simple miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame seeds, complementing those lovely Asian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve this gorgeous combo in a rustic grain bowl with sprouts of fresh cilantro or mint. Or lay it over a bed of soba noodles for an elegant twist. The vibrant green and golden brown colors will make your plate Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
While the tofu and Brussels sprouts taste best fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked tofu and sprouts separately for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
To keep that delightful crispiness, reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave. This gives the tofu and sprouts a chance to regain their crunch and keeps the glaze sticky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts give the best texture and flavor when roasting, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen will work. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry so they roast properly without steaming.
Is this recipe vegan?
It can be naturally vegan if you swap the honey with maple syrup and use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want gluten-free. It’s a fantastic plant-based dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?
Yes! Neutral oils like avocado or vegetable oil can be used for roasting. Just bear in mind that olive oil adds a nice fruity depth to the dish.
How do I press tofu properly?
Pressing tofu removes excess moisture which helps it crisp up. You can do this by wrapping the tofu block in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to roast carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas alongside. Just keep in mind that roasting times may vary, so add firmer veggies first.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly simple to make, yet feels incredibly special every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu recipe features caramelized Brussels sprouts and crunchy tofu cubes tossed in a sweet and savory honey-sesame glaze. Perfect as a flavorful side or a light main dish, this easy-to-make vegan-friendly meal balances crispy textures and rich Asian-inspired flavors with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 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 ease cleanup.
- Toss Brussels Sprouts: In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange them on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Tofu: In another bowl, coat the cubed tofu with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating will ensure the tofu crisps up nicely when roasted. Spread the tofu cubes on the other side of the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the Brussels sprouts and tofu for 25–30 minutes, flipping both halfway through cooking to promote an even caramelization of the sprouts and crispiness of the tofu.
- Make the Glaze: While roasting, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Thicken the Glaze: Stir the dissolved cornstarch mixture into the simmering glaze and cook for another 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Toss and Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts and tofu are roasted, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey-sesame glaze over them. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well removes excess moisture, helping it crisp up better during roasting.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make the recipe vegan.
- Try using tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Be sure to flip both tofu and Brussels sprouts halfway through roasting for even cooking.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
