Tofu Boring? Not Anymore. Try This!
Including 3 recipes 🌱
Hey everyone! I’m so glad you’re back for another short read in plant-based cooking. Today, we’re getting into the world of tofu—again! I know, I know, we’ve talked about tofu before, but here’s the thing: tofu is like a blank canvas. It’s what you do with it that really makes it shine. And one of the easiest ways to transform this humble ingredient? Marinating.
Tofu, on its own, doesn’t taste like much. But that’s the beauty of it! Tofu is a flavor sponge, ready to soak up whatever you throw its way. With the right marinade, you can make tofu taste like almost anything you want—savory, sweet, spicy, or a mix of all three.
I’ve been experimenting A LOT with different flavors and I’m so excited to share 3 exclusive recipes with you here, for free! And to be honest, not one experiment has been disappointing! Definitely give them a go.
Why Marinate Tofu?
But first, let’s get real for a sec: if you’ve ever found tofu bland or boring, chances are you weren’t giving it the love it deserves. Marinating is like a magic trick that turns tofu from meh to mouth-watering. Plus, it’s incredibly easy! All you need is a handful of ingredients, a bit of time, and voila—you’ve got yourself a flavor-packed addition to any meal.
Pressing the tofu beforehand is key (trust me on this). By removing excess water, you make room for all those delicious flavors to seep in. And the longer you let it marinate, the better it tastes. I’ve recently got gifted a tofu press by Tofuture (not sponsored, I just really like their product) and it works amazing. Alternatively you can wrap the tofu in kitchen cloth and put something heavy on top of it, like a few cookbooks or heavy pans.
Prep ahead
If you're someone who likes to have your meals planned out for the week, marinated tofu is a fantastic addition to your meal prep routine. Here’s how to incorporate these marinades into your weekly prep:
Double the recipe: When you’re preparing the marinades, consider doubling it. You can store the extra marinade in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Extra sauce never hurt nobody. This way, you’ll always have some on hand!
Prep ahead: On a Sunday or whenever you do your meal prep, marinate your tofu in advance. You can store the marinated tofu in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake, grill, or sauté, and you’ve got yourself a quick and delicious protein option.
Mix and match: Use different marinades to create variety throughout the week. This way, your meals never feel repetitive, and you get a range of flavors to enjoy!
Store safely: Tofu can be stored in the fridge for 7-8 days, making it a perfect addition to salads, wraps, bowls, and more throughout the week.
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Now, let’s get into the recipes.
1. Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade
Perfect for salads, wraps, or as a refreshing addition to grain bowls.
Ingredients (2-3 servings):
450 gr firm tofu
6 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 gr fresh parsley, chopped
15 gr fresh basil, chopped
2 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Press Your Tofu: Start by pressing your tofu to get rid of excess water. If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy skillet on top for about 20-30 minutes.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
Marinate the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes or slices and place it in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the tofu, making sure it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.
2. Sweet & Spicy Korean BBQ Marinade
Perfect for stir-fries, grain bowls, or even on its own as a snack.
Ingredients (2-3 servings):
450 gr firm tofu
6 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha for a milder version
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp grated ginger
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp sesame seeds
Optional: 1 green onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
Press Your Tofu: Same as before—press your tofu to remove excess water. This step is essential for getting that nice, chewy texture we’re after.
Mix Up the Marinade: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu cubes or slices in a dish or a zip-lock bag, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but if you’ve got time, overnight is even better!
3. Smoky Chipotle Lime Marinade
Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a protein-packed addition to any Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
450 gr firm tofu
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Press Your Tofu: You know the drill! Press that tofu to get it nice and firm.
Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Tofu: Cut the tofu into thick strips or cubes and place them in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring every piece is covered. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hours.
Common mistakes to avoid
Alright I’ve made a few mistakes before so I’ll adres them beforehand so you don’t have to make them! Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Not pressing the tofu enough: If your tofu is still waterlogged, the marinade won’t be able to penetrate deeply. Make sure to press the tofu for at least 20-30 minutes to remove as much water as possible.
Using too little marinade: Don’t be shy with the marinade! The tofu needs to be fully coated and even submerged if possible. More marinade means more flavor. Feel free to double the recipes to make sure you have enough.
Not marinating long enough: A quick dip won’t cut it. For the best flavor, marinate your tofu for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours or even a few days. The longer, the better!
Ignoring tofu types: Not all tofu is created equal! For marinating, firm or extra-firm tofu is best. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and will break apart easily.
Tofu cooking techniques
Right, now that your tofu is perfectly marinated, the next step is cooking it to perfection. Here are a few techniques to bring out the best texture and flavor:
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated tofu pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking gives the tofu a firm texture with a slightly crispy exterior, perfect for salads and grain bowls.
Grilling: For a smoky, charred flavor, grill your marinated tofu on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Make sure your grill is oiled up to prevent sticking! This method is great for flatbreads or adding to a wrap.
Pan-Searing: Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This method gives the tofu a crispy exterior.
Air Frying: If you have an air fryer, this is a quick and easy way to get crispy tofu. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook the marinated tofu for about 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. It’s great for getting that crispy texture without using much oil.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you’re excited to try these marinades! If you give any of these recipes a go, let me know how they turn out in the comments below. And as always, if you’re enjoying these posts and want more content, don’t forget to subscribe!
Until next time, keep cooking and keep experimenting!
Much love,
Joris