Lemon-Pepper Tofu and Snap Peas

Name: Lemon-Pepper Tofu and Snap Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (any color); Kosher salt and black pepper; One (14 to 16-ounce) block extra-firm tofu; 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon neutral oil, such as grapeseed; 1/2 pound snap peas, trimmed; Mint or cilantro leaves, for serving

By Ali Slagle

Published Sept. 4, 2024

Lemon-Pepper Tofu and Snap Peas — Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rating: 5(40)
Notes: Read community notes

This combination of sesame and pepper-crusted tofu, blistered snap peas and tahini-lemon sauce creates a lively and quick dinner, while the three elements are just as valuable as building blocks to many more meals. The tofu is crisp with a coating of cornstarch and sesame seeds and punchy with lots of black pepper and lemon zest. The snap peas are seared until juicy but still snappy. The tahini sauce, which is buoyed by lemon, ginger and soy sauce, can be drizzled on everything from salads to seared chicken. Serve this dish over rice or other grains, soba noodles or salad greens.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings

¼cup well-stirred tahini
1tablespoon soy sauce
1teaspoon finely grated ginger
1lemon
2tablespoons cornstarch
3tablespoons sesame seeds (any color)
Kosher salt and black pepper
One (14 to 16-ounce) block extra-firm tofu
2tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon neutral oil, such as grapeseed
½pound snap peas, trimmed
Mint or cilantro leaves, for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir together the tahini, soy sauce and ginger. Zest the lemon and reserve for Step 4. Squeeze half the lemon into the tahini mixture. Stir in cold water until saucy (about 2 tablespoons). Set aside.
Step 2
In a shallow dish or large plate, stir together the cornstarch, sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and a big pinch of salt. Cut the tofu lengthwise into ½-inch-slices, then crosswise in half. (You’ll have about 8 pieces.) Pat the tofu dry, then add to the cornstarch mixture and press and turn to coat the tops and bottoms.
Step 3
In a large, nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high. Add the snap peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and transfer to serving plates.
Step 4
Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the tofu and cook until golden-crisp on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the tofu with the reserved lemon zest and shake the skillet so the zest adheres to the tofu. Divide the tofu among plates and top with the tahini sauce and herbs.

Ratings

5 out of 5

40 user ratings

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Cooking Notes

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Susannah14 hours ago

This is delicious! The lemon zest was really integral to the flavors so be sure to be somewhat generous with the zest on the tofu. I thought it would be a bit bland as just blistered snappeas and tofu, but the lemon + tahini/soy sauce mixture + cilantro + mint was extremely delicious!

Jenni2 days ago

This was great! Fairly easy to make and good even without the sesame seeds (discovered I had none)

Elizabeth C4 days ago

This method of lightly breading the tofu with cornstarch and sesame seeds resulted in some of the most satisfying crispy tofu I've ever made. I sprinkled in a bit of lemon pepper seasoning in addition to the black pepper, and it was definitely a hit. A note about the sauce: I didn't see the part about adding water until I had gotten very frustrated with how adding soy sauce to tahini makes it even more paste-like. But a little bit of water smooths it out beautifully

Donna5 days ago

Pretty good but I might tweak it a little! Maybe add a bit of salt to the breading, squeeze some more lemon over the tofu at serving time. Thanks for inspiration!

Juliette1 week ago

Absolutely delicious!

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