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Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu Recipe

Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu Recipe

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4.9 from 106 reviews

Garlic Herb Vegan Tofu is a vibrant and satisfying main course featuring tender tofu marinated with beet, nori, garlic, and tangy ingredients, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a creamy cashew-based garlic herb sauce. This recipe is fully plant-based, protein-packed, and easy enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough for guests. With bold seaside flavors and luscious texture, it’s a standout dish for anyone seeking a savory, nutritious vegan entrée.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tofu & Marinade

  • 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

Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

  • 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

Optional/Alternative Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a high-speed blender, combine the peeled beet, crushed nori, minced garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, pickle juice, tahini, and 1 cup vegetable broth. Blend until completely smooth and all ingredients are well integrated, about 3-4 minutes. The result should be a vibrant, fragrant marinade.
  2. Marinate Tofu: Slice each pressed tofu block into 3 or 4 even pieces. Lay the slices flat and gently score the surface in a crosshatch pattern (do not cut all the way through). Place the tofu in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for full flavor absorption.
  3. Bake Tofu: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the marinated tofu slices on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crisp on the edges.
  4. Make Sauce: While the tofu bakes, blend together the soaked cashews, non-dairy milk, olive oil, chopped garlic, diced shallot, fresh herbs, ½ cup vegetable broth (adding up to 1 cup for desired consistency), lemon juice, and vegan parmesan in a blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Arrange the baked tofu slices on plates and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic herb sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or salad for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

  • Press tofu thoroughly to help it absorb maximum marinade and bake up firm.
  • Marinating overnight yields the best flavors but a minimum of 6 hours will still be tasty.
  • You can make the sauce ahead and store it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Use tempeh or seitan for a different protein and texture.
  • For a nut-free version, replace cashews with soaked sunflower seeds and use nut-free non-dairy milk.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1/2 block tofu with sauce)
  • Calories: 276kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg