Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a mouthwatering combination that’ll seriously elevate your weeknight dinners! Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze delivers bold, craveworthy flavors you’ll remember long after the last bite. Each crispy-edged bite features caramelized Brussels sprouts paired with golden tofu cubes, coated in a glossy, aromatic honey-sesame sauce. If you’re looking for a nourishing, vegetarian dish that satisfies both texture and taste, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze lies in its blend of vibrant, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one brings something special—crunch, color, richness, or just the right hit of umami—to create a dish that’s both beautiful and balanced.

• Extra-firm tofu (14 oz block), pressed and cubed: Delivers a hearty, protein-packed bite and turns irresistibly crisp in the oven.
• Brussels sprouts (1 lb), trimmed and halved: When roasted, these little cabbages caramelize perfectly and become sweet and nutty.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything brown beautifully and adds subtle richness.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Key to achieving ultra-crispy tofu in the oven—don’t skip it!
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors in both the tofu and Brussels.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of heat and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives the glaze its signature deep, salty flavor.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds sweetness and helps the glaze cling—try maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.
• Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides bright acidity to balance the savory and sweet elements.
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses the glaze with a rich, toasty fragrance.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Delivers aromatic punch and depth.
• Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds zesty warmth to the glaze.
• Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): Sprinkle on top for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.
• Sliced green onions (for garnish): Liven up the finished dish with color and freshness.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—roasting at high heat is the secret to getting that signature golden crisp on both the tofu and the Brussels sprouts! Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure super easy cleanup at the end.

Step 2: Season the Tofu

In a big bowl, toss your pressed and cubed tofu with a tablespoon of olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The oil helps with browning, but it’s the cornstarch that gives each piece that gloriously crisp shell. Make sure every piece is coated, then spread the tofu cubes out on one half of your baking sheet.

Step 3: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Without even rinsing your bowl (yay for fewer dishes!), add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with your remaining tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch more salt and pepper, and toss them well. Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the other half of the sheet—this is the ticket to getting that irresistible caramelized edge.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide your baking sheet onto the middle rack and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. At the halfway mark, use a spatula to carefully flip the tofu and Brussels sprouts so everything cooks evenly. You’re looking for golden, ultra-crispy tofu and Brussels sprouts with deliciously browned edges.

Step 5: Make the Honey-Sesame Glaze

While the veggies and tofu work their magic in the oven, grab a small saucepan. Over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Toss and Garnish

When roasting is done, transfer the tofu and Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle with your warm honey-sesame glaze, tossing everything gently to coat each bite. Finish by sprinkling over sesame seeds and a generous handful of sliced green onions for that beautiful, restaurant-worthy touch.

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze

Garnishes

Turn this dish into a feast for both the eyes and palate by finishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. If you want an even brighter pop, try adding a zest of lime or a few chili flakes on top. These finishing touches bring out all the fresh, nutty, and savory elements that make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze shine.

Side Dishes

A bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or nutty quinoa makes the perfect companion—even a bed of cauliflower rice works if you’re keeping things light! These grains soak up every drop of that irresistible glaze and help transform this main dish into a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Want more veggies? Add quick stir-fried snap peas or roasted carrots for extra color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, family-style presentation, pile everything onto a large platter and let guests serve themselves. Or, divide Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze into individual bowls layered over rice, and top each with a fried or soft-boiled egg for added richness. You can even turn leftovers into a vibrant grain bowl for lunch the next day—just add greens like baby spinach or massaged kale for an extra boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the glaze and garnishes separately for maximum crispness, if possible. This way, you can preserve the roasted texture and refresh each portion when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

While tofu and Brussels sprouts freeze better than you might expect, it’s best to freeze them without the glaze for optimal results. Pack the roasted tofu and Brussels sprouts into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently before adding fresh glaze and garnishes.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy-edged glory, spread refrigerated or thawed leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat in a hot oven (400°F) for about 10 minutes. You can also use an air fryer if you have one! Wait to drizzle on more honey-sesame glaze until just before serving, and finish with your favorite garnishes to really wake up the flavors.

FAQs

What’s the trick to getting my tofu super crispy?

Make sure you press your tofu well before cubing it—the less moisture, the better! Don’t skimp on the cornstarch when tossing the tofu, and give each cube plenty of space on the baking sheet so it can crisp up without steaming. Roasting at a high temperature is also essential for that golden finish.

Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar in the glaze. You’ll get sweetness, shine, and stickiness, with all the same delicious results—perfect for a plant-based feast.

Is it possible to use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh is ideal for the crispiest, caramelized sprouts, but if frozen is all you have, thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before roasting. Spread them out on the sheet so they brown rather than steam, and roast a few extra minutes if needed.

What protein alternative can I use instead of tofu?

If you’re not a fan of tofu or want to mix things up, try chickpeas or tempeh. Both turn golden and crisp in the oven, and soak up the honey-sesame glaze beautifully. If you eat meat, diced chicken breast can be roasted with the same seasonings.

Can I prep any part of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely—press and cube your tofu, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, and even prep the glaze a day or two ahead. Store each component separately in the fridge, then assemble and roast the day of for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze a spot at your table. The crispy textures and savory-sweet flavors are a game changer, and honestly, this dish is as much fun to make as it is to eat! Can’t wait for you to taste just how good weeknight cooking can be.

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