Marinated Tofu Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy, flavor-packed way to transform humble tofu into something truly crave-worthy, this Marinated Tofu recipe is about to become your new favorite kitchen trick. Imagine golden cubes with crispy edges and a savory, slightly sweet glaze—all achieved with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more plant-based protein to your meals, Marinated Tofu is a game-changer: satisfying, versatile, and endlessly customizable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such a simple lineup of ingredients can deliver big, bold flavors and fantastic texture. Each component plays a vital role in turning tofu from mild-mannered to absolutely irresistible, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- Extra-firm tofu (14 oz block): The foundation of our dish—firm enough to hold its shape and soak up all the delicious marinade.
- Soy sauce or tamari (3 tablespoons): Adds deep umami flavor and brings everything together with a salty, savory punch.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle tang that brightens up the marinade and balances the richer notes.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch gives the tofu a rich, nutty aroma and beautiful sheen.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tablespoon): A little sweetness rounds out the flavors and helps with caramelization.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Lends a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates every bite.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Enhances the savory base and adds depth to the marinade.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a spicy kick, this is your moment!
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): Tossing the tofu in cornstarch before baking gives it an extra crispy finish you’ll love.
How to Make Marinated Tofu
Step 1: Press and Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing your tofu for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This removes excess water, allowing the marinade to really soak in, and helps you achieve that coveted crispy texture. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the block in a clean towel and weigh it down with something heavy. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
Step 2: Mix Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if you’re using it. This marinade is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy—just irresistible!
Step 3: Marinate the Tofu
Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, let it go for up to 8 hours. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will be. Give it a gentle turn or shake halfway through to make sure every cube gets equal love.
Step 4: Coat for Crispiness (Optional)
If you’re a fan of that crispy restaurant-style tofu, now’s your chance to get it at home! After marinating, drain the excess liquid and toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch. This extra step creates a delightful crust that locks in all the marinade goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tofu cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded—space is key for crispiness! Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the Marinated Tofu is golden and delightfully crispy on the outside.
How to Serve Marinated Tofu
Garnishes
Bring your Marinated Tofu to life with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a scatter of fresh cilantro. These little touches not only add color and freshness, but also another layer of flavor that makes the dish pop.
Side Dishes
Serve your tofu hot from the oven alongside fluffy jasmine rice, a bowl of soba noodles, or a medley of stir-fried veggies. It’s also fantastic tucked into a grain bowl with avocado and crunchy veggies, or even as a protein-packed topping for salads.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Try piling Marinated Tofu into lettuce wraps with pickled veggies, or layering it into a banh mi-inspired sandwich. It’s also amazing in wraps, tacos, or as a savory addition to a breakfast scramble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), store the Marinated Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will develop even more, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Tofu is surprisingly freezer-friendly! You can freeze cooked Marinated Tofu for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tofu back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, though the tofu will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe, but firm tofu can also work if pressed thoroughly. Silken or soft tofu won’t hold up to marinating and baking, so stick with the firmer varieties for the best texture.
Is Marinated Tofu gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep things gluten-free. Double-check your other ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Can I pan-fry or air-fry instead of baking?
Yes! You can pan-fry the tofu in a little oil over medium-high heat until each side is crispy, or air-fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Both methods yield delicious results with slightly different textures.
How can I customize the marinade?
Feel free to get creative! Add a splash of lime juice for brightness, a spoonful of hoisin or peanut butter for extra depth, or experiment with different chili sauces for varying heat levels. Marinated Tofu is all about making it your own.
What’s the best way to press tofu if I don’t have a tofu press?
Simply wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy pan or a few cans on top. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This easy method works just as well and is key for great Marinated Tofu.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like Marinated Tofu to add a burst of flavor and satisfying protein to any meal. Give it a try, play with the marinade, and discover just how fun and delicious tofu can be—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Marinated Tofu Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Marinated Tofu recipe delivers flavorful, crispy cubes of vegan protein perfect for a satisfying main course. The tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture, then soaked in a savory marinade featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Baking the tofu with a light cornstarch coating creates a delicious golden crust. Ideal served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is a versatile, gluten-free, and vegan option packed with protein.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
For Crispiness (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps it absorb the marinade better and achieve a firmer texture when cooked.
- Prepare the Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag to prepare for marination.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup or honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional sriracha or chili garlic sauce to create a balanced and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes and gently toss to ensure they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Oven: For a crispy finish, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the tofu is marinating or when ready to cook.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Drain any excess marinade from the tofu. Toss the cubes with cornstarch evenly to help achieve a crispy exterior during baking.
- Bake the Tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Serve the marinated tofu warm alongside rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can also pan-fry or air-fry the marinated tofu instead of baking for different textures.
- Customize the marinade flavor by adding lime juice, hoisin sauce, or peanut butter to suit your taste preferences.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Pressing the tofu well is essential for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
