Start by pressing and cubing your tofu into 1-inch pieces. If you have a few extra minutes, gently press to remove excess moisture; otherwise, proceed to cook.
In a small bowl, stir together the apricot jam, soy sauce, sesame oil, and the juice of half a lime. Set this glossy, fragrant glaze aside.
Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in your skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and begins to gently crackle.
Place the tofu cubes carefully into the hot pan, making sure they’re not crowded. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Once the tofu is crispy, lower the heat slightly and pour the apricot glaze over the cubes. Gently turn them to coat evenly, allowing the glaze to bubble and thicken over 1-2 minutes, creating a shiny, sticky coating.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the glazed tofu, letting them crackle and release their nutty aroma for about 30 seconds.
Remove the tofu from the pan and transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for a couple of minutes—this helps the glaze set and keeps the tofu crispy.
Meanwhile, chop the scallions and cilantro, and prepare your serving bowls with rice or grains if desired.
Squeeze fresh lime over the tofu for a bright, citrusy finish, then garnish with scallions, cilantro, and extra sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness.
Serve immediately while the tofu is crispy and coated in that glossy, flavorful glaze. Enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors!
