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Flavorful Marinated Tofu Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Versatile Recipe

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4.3 from 69 reviews

This Marinated Tofu recipe is a flavorful and versatile way to prepare tofu that will make you fall in love with this plant-based protein. Perfect for baking, pan-frying, grilling, or air frying, the simple marinade infuses the tofu with a delicious blend of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, agave, and spices. Crisped to perfection on the stovetop and finished with a luscious sauce made from the leftover marinade, this dish is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 1 lb block of tofu, pressed for at least 30 minutes and cut into 1-inch pieces

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce (or liquid aminos, tamari, or coconut aminos)
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 4 teaspoons agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons water

Cooking

  • 2 teaspoons oil (any oil for pan frying)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tofu and Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the pressed and cubed tofu with the light soy sauce. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Add rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, agave, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and water to the bowl. Toss again to thoroughly combine, making sure all tofu pieces are coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 days for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat the Pan and Cook Tofu: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Remove tofu pieces from the marinade using a slotted spoon, letting excess marinade drip off, and add them to the pan. Cook the tofu, turning every 2-3 minutes, until each side is crisp and browned. This should take about 8-10 minutes total.
  3. Thicken Marinade Sauce: While the tofu is cooking, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Whisk vigorously to dissolve the cornstarch completely.
  4. Combine Tofu and Sauce: Once the tofu is crisped and cooked through, turn off the heat. Immediately pour the cornstarch-thickened marinade into the hot pan with the tofu. Stir thoroughly to coat the tofu, allowing the residual heat to thicken the sauce and cook off the raw cornstarch taste. Let the tofu and sauce sit together in the pan for at least 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Serve: Remove the tofu from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy as a main dish, protein addition to salads, bowls, or wraps.

Notes

  • Pressing tofu for at least 30 minutes removes excess moisture, helping it crisp up better during cooking.
  • Light soy sauce is recommended for a milder, less salty flavor; alternatives like tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos work well for gluten-free or soy-free options.
  • The marinade can be made ahead and tofu marinated for up to 2 days to enhance flavor.
  • If you prefer baked tofu, marinate and then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free if using tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/flavorful-marinated-tofu-recipe-crispy-juicy-and-versatile-recipe/