Easy Marinated Tofu
Published: Feb 22, 2022 · by Nicole · Updated: Feb 22, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.
This Easy Marinated Tofu is perfect for all your tofu needs! Tofu is a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavor perfectly. This marinated tofu can be made with a hint of spice or left plain—either way it still tastes great! Tofu is a healthy protein-packed food that accompanies many things very nicely.
Some of our other favorite tofu meals are...
Tofu is one of our favorite foods to have on hand! It's nutrient-packed, hearty, and absorbs flavors well so it can take on a meaty taste. This particular recipe is sweet with a hint of smokey, and the marinated tofu ends up with a great texture. This marinated tofu is easy to make and calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
This tofu also has a great flavor. The marinade combines soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger oil, and black pepper. It gives the tofu its fantastic flavor and makes it a great accompaniment to any dish.
This Easy Marinated Tofu recipe is...
Simple to makeSprinkled with sesame seedsPacked with nutrientsAbsolutely delicious
How to Make Easy Marinated Tofu
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture.Prepare the marinade.Combine the marinade and tofu in a bowl, cover, and chill for at least one hour. After chilling, remove the tofu and proceed to pan-fry or bake.Follow the instructions to cook the tofu Sprinkle with sesame seeds after the tofu is cooked, serve, and enjoy!
Full directions for how to make Easy Marinated Tofu are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Tips & Tricks for Easy Marinated Tofu
Press Tofu First
The first step of this recipe is to remove the moisture from the tofu. This step is imperative to the recipe because it ensures that the tofu can absorb the spices. In addition, this step is critical in achieving the right texture. Pressing the excess moisture out of the tofu will help it to achieve that nice crispy texture.
Make It Spicy
If you enjoy a spicier taste, then add ⅛ tsp of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Here are a few spicy dishes we love:
Marinade the Tofu
This step makes sure your tofu is tasty! Once you've removed the excess moisture, allow the tofu to marinate and soak up the delicious spices and flavors. The longer the tofu marinades the more flavor it absorbs.
Cook Your Way
Whether you enjoy oven-baked, pan-fried, or stir-fried tofu, this marinated tofu is versatile and easy. Try cooking it either way and find which you like best.
Love a crispy texture?
We do too! To get this crispy texture brush the tofu lightly with the marinade and continue cooking the tofu for a few minutes. The crispy texture of this easy marinated tofu is one of our favorite parts of it.
FAQ’s about Easy Marinated Tofu
Why do I have to press the tofu?
Pressing the tofu removes the moisture and makes the tofu easier to cook with. In addition, it helps it to absorb more flavor and get the texture you're craving.
Can I let my tofu marinate in the fridge overnight?
Yes, if the tofu is covered, you can let it marinate overnight. Expect mighty tasty tofu the next day!
How do I make my tofu more firm?
To make your tofu more firm, slice it, freeze, thaw and proceed to squeeze out the moisture. This increases the sturdiness of the tofu and makes it easier for the tofu to absorb the marinade.
Easy Marinated Tofu
This marinated tofu recipe is perfect for all your tofu needs! Tofu is a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavor perfectly.
Prep Time: 30 minutesCook Time: 15 minutesTotal Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDiet: Vegan, VegetarianKeyword: marinated tofu
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 123kcal
Ingredients
Instructions Prepare the tofu: The tofu needs to be pressed prior to marinating. This removes the extra moisture so that the tofu can absorb the marinade. Cut the tofu into approximately ½" cubes. Arrange them on a cutting board or other clean, flat surface. Lay a paper towel over the tofu and place a large baking sheet on top. Top the baking sheet with a heavy object - I often use a pot filled with some water to make it heavier. Leave for 15-20 minutes to squeeze out the extra moisture. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk to combine. Marinate the tofu: In a large bowl, combine the tofu and marinade. Toss to evenly coat the tofu. Cover and place in the refrigerator. Allow to marinate for at least one hour. Cook the marinated tofu: Remove the tofu from the marinade with a slotted spoon, but do not discard the marinade liquid yet. Toss the marinated tofu with the sesame seeds. Proceed with baking or pan frying the tofu, according to instructions below. To bake: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and flip the tofu cubes, brushing lightly with additional marinade. Return to oven for additional 10-15 minutes. To pan fry: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and spray lighly with cooking spray. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown, brushing lightly with additional marinade as you cook for extra flavor.Sprinkle tofu with sesame seeds, and serve.
Notes
For more spice, add ⅛ tsp cayenne powder.
Nutrition Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 883mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2mg
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