Name: Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 blocks Firm Tofu (15 oz each), thoroughly drained and pressed; 1 small Beetroot, peeled; ½ cup Nori Sheets, finely crushed; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon Salt, plus additional to taste; ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice; 2 teaspoons Pickle Juice; 2 tablespoons Tahini; 1 cup Vegetable Broth; ½ cup Raw Cashews, soaked; ½ cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk (such as oat milk); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped; 1 Shallot, diced small; 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary, and chives); ½ to 1 cup Vegetable Broth; 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice; ½ cup Vegan Parmesan (such as Follow Your Heart brand); Salt and Pepper, to taste; Tempeh or seitan (instead of tofu); Carrot (instead of beet); Seaweed flakes (instead of nori); Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar (instead of apple cider vinegar); Additional lemon juice or vinegar (instead of pickle juice); Almond or sunflower seed butter (instead of tahini); Sunflower seeds or almonds (instead of cashews); Almond or soy milk (instead of non-dairy milk); Nutritional yeast (instead of vegan parmesan)

If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and crank up your dinner routine, Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu is the star dish you’ve been looking for. This recipe is not just packed with flavor and irresistible textures—it’s also vividly colorful, gluten-free, and effortlessly elevates humble tofu into something crave-worthy. Think garlicky, herby magic enveloping deeply marinated tofu, topped with a silky, zesty sauce that even omnivores will love. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, get ready for a dish that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food.

Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients; each one is essential to build layers of depth, savory notes, and brightness. From creative marinades to a velvety sauce, every item plays a starring role—don’t skip the fresh herbs, they truly make the dish sing!

Firm Tofu: Use two thoroughly pressed 15 oz blocks for the perfect chewy texture and to soak up all the marinade flavor.
Beetroot: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous blush of color to both the tofu and the marinade.
Nori Sheets: Finely crushed, these bring a gentle hint of umami and seaside aroma.
Garlic (minced and chopped): The star aroma and flavor builder, used in both marinade and sauce for double punch.
Salt: Essential for seasoning tofu and intensifying every other flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: A subtle heat that plays beautifully with the mellow tofu base.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tang in the marinade to brighten and balance richness.
Lemon Juice: Fresh acidity wakes up every component, both in the marinade and sauce.
Pickle Juice: A dash of briny tang that surprises and delights.
Tahini: Lends creamy mouthfeel and a gentle nutty depth.
Vegetable Broth: Used in both marinade and sauce, creates savory depth and helps blend everything together.
Raw Cashews: Soaked for silky-smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: (Such as oat milk) Keeps the sauce rich yet light without overpowering flavors.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop that golden exterior during cooking.
Shallot: Diced for gentle onion sweetness in the sauce.
Fresh Herbs (thyme, rosemary, chives): The real wow factor—a bouquet of garden-bright flavor and aroma.
Vegan Parmesan: (Such as Follow Your Heart) Adds a cheesy, umami-laden finish to the sauce.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for perfectly balanced final seasoning.

How to Make Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu

Step 1: Make the Flavorful Marinade

Start the magic by combining the peeled beet, crushed nori sheets, minced garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, pickle juice, tahini, and 1 cup vegetable broth in a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is velvety smooth—about 3 to 4 minutes. This vibrant marinade infuses the tofu with gorgeous color and bold, tangy flavor, so don’t shy away from blending thoroughly.

Step 2: Marinate the Tofu

Carefully slice each pressed block of tofu into 3 or 4 slabs. Gently score the tops in a crosshatch pattern—this helps the flavor soak deeper and gives a lovely texture when baked. Arrange the pieces in a roomy bowl, then pour the entire batch of marinade over them. Make sure each slab is thoroughly coated. Cover and slide into the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight works best for maximum flavor absorption into your Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet for easy cleanup. Lay out the tofu slices, leaving space between each for even browning. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides turn golden, slightly crispy, and irresistibly aromatic. Your kitchen will smell divine at this stage!

Step 4: Blend the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

While the tofu is baking, blend soaked cashews, non-dairy milk, olive oil, chopped garlic, diced shallot, fresh herbs, extra vegetable broth (start with 1/2 cup, add more to thin if needed), lemon juice, and vegan parmesan. Blitz until the sauce is smooth and creamy—a taste test here is highly encouraged! Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to suit your personal flavor preferences.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your beautifully baked Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu, and drizzle generously with the creamy, herb-flecked sauce. For bonus flair, shower with more fresh herbs. This tofu is ready to take center stage with your favorite sides and garnishes.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu

Garnishes

Finish with a flurry of more fresh herbs—think chopped chives, microgreens, or delicate thyme leaves. A sprinkle of flaked sea salt, a grind of black pepper, and a few ribbons of vegan parmesan make the presentation pop and the flavor even brighter.

Side Dishes

This star main dish loves to be paired with vibrant sides. Steamed or roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad all work beautifully with Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu. The sauce also turns any grain into a delectable, main-worthy dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer tofu slices on a platter for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, tuck them into grain bowls with colorful veggies, or slice and stack in artisan sandwiches. For gatherings, skewer the tofu for vibrant, flavor-packed party bites—just don’t forget extra sauce for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately to maintain its luxurious texture, and give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

Baked tofu freezes surprisingly well. Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. The sauce is best made fresh, but if you freeze it, reblend after thawing for smoothness.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm tofu slices in a skillet over medium heat or roast briefly at 350°F until heated through. Gently heat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, before drizzling generously over the tofu.

FAQs

Can I use extra-firm tofu for Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu?

Absolutely! Extra-firm tofu works just as well, and might even hold its shape a bit better. Just be sure to press it thoroughly to remove excess water so it soaks up all that delicious marinade.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Thyme, rosemary, and chives are the classic trio for the herby sauce, but parsley, dill, or tarragon can be swapped in for a creative twist. Use whatever you have on hand—fresh herbs make all the difference!

Is there a nut-free version of the sauce?

Definitely! Substitute the soaked cashews with raw sunflower seeds or hulled hemp seeds. Both will blend into a creamy sauce and keep Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu allergy-friendly.

Can I marinate the tofu for less than 6 hours?

For deepest flavor, longer is best, but if you’re short on time, try marinating for at least 2 hours. The results will still be tasty, but the flavors may not be quite as vibrant.

How spicy is Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat. If you’re spice-sensitive, use less, or omit entirely. If you like more kick, feel free to up the amount or add a pinch of cayenne.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience all the herby, garlicky joy that is Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu. It’s that rare recipe—impressive enough for guests, comforting enough for weeknights, and endlessly adaptable. Gather your ingredients, let the scent of fresh herbs fill your kitchen, and dig in—you truly deserve this deliciousness!