The Best Tofu Recipe (2024)

The best marinated tofu recipe uses firm tofu marinated in simple ingredients like soy sauce, lemon juice, and maple syrup! If you’ve struggled to find any tofu recipes you love, you need to give this one a try!

The Best Tofu Recipe (1)

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Tofu haters stick around. This recipe is guaranteed to make a lover out of you.

It took me a long time to get on the tofu train. Mashed soy bean curd? I’m not so sure about this.

Pretty much anything new can be scary, and tofu was no different. No one wants to feel like a fool messing up dinner because you just didn’t know what you were doing.

The Best Tofu Recipe (2)

Whether you’re new to this or not, you’re in luck. You’re about to learn what you need to know to not only rock an easy tofu recipe, but rock it good.

How to press tofu

The first thing you need to do is drain the water. Not just from the box, but also from the block of actual tofu.

To do this you can use a tofu press(<- affiliate link), or go the cheap-o method like me and press your tofu without a press. Slice it in half (like a book). Place a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels on a plate or cutting board, place one of the tofu slabs on top, top with a couple more paper towels, the other tofu slab, and a few more paper towels.

The Best Tofu Recipe (3)

Then place something heavy on top to squeeze out all the water. I put the big jar of sugar that sits on my kitchen counter inside a large skillet and set it on top. Let it press for 30-60 minutes.

If you’re in a rush you can get away with 10-30 minutes. I usually do 30 minutes, I’m just letting you know this is a flexible scenario, you’re doing great, and I think you’re really attractive. Let’s keep going.

How to marinate tofu with the best tofu marinade

Next you have to marinate the tofu. Now that the water is gone, your tofu is free to soak up all sorts of flavor!

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I’ve included my favorite marinade below, or you can find another to change up the flavor for different purposes.

How long to marinate tofu

Cut the tofu into squares, then let them rest in the marinade inside a shallow bowl or baking dish for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.

How to cook tofu

Tofu is safe to eat raw, but the texture improves greatly with frying, so cook it to desired crispiness without worrying about getting to a safe temperature. Woo hoo!

See, tofu isn’t as crazy as you may have thought. My kids will even eat it from time to time.

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Tips for customizing the best marinated tofu

  • Add more sriracha to the marinade or drizzle it on when serving for extra heat
  • Serve with brown rice and oven roasted broccoli or snow peas for a healthy, balanced meal
  • Serve with Mai Fun noodles and finely shredded carrots, radishes, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, cilantro, and chopped peanuts
  • After marinating toss with cornstarch to make the best crispy tofu
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving
  • Use it to make a tofu wrap for an easy, healthy lunch!

My best tofu recipe is gluten free and vegan! Just make sure you use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your spices for gluten contamination.

More tofu recipes

  • Pan Fried Peanut Tofu
  • Cajun Tofu
  • Cajun Tofu Wraps
  • Fettuccine Alfredo with Cajun Tofu
  • Balsamic Tofu
  • Scrambled Tofu
  • Pesto Tofu
  • Vegan Ham
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Be sure to tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagramif you make this recipe so I can give you a virtual pat on the back!

Do you want to join a community of people who love meatless meals? You’re invited to join the Meatless Recipes and Tips Facebook Group!

The Best Tofu Recipe (7)

Recipe

The Best Tofu Recipe (8)

The Best Marinated Tofu Recipe

The best tofu recipe is marinated in simple pantry ingredients and also happens to be vegan and gluten free. It's so easy to make and is sure to make you fall in love with tofu!

4.16 from 98 votes

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Lindsay Moe

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and sliced into about 24 squares
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine tofu, tamari, lemon juice, maple syrup, sriracha, and garlic powder, stirring gently to coat. Let marinate 15-20 minutes, stirring gently once or twice.

  • Heat coconut oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add tofu and fry 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Add any leftover marinade to the pan and cook, stirring, one minute more.

  • Remove tofu from the pan and serve as desired.

Notes

How to press tofu

Use a tofu press, or slice the tofu in half like a book, then stack on a plate with a few sheets of paper towels around both halves. Place something heavy like a cast iron skillet on top and let press 10-60 minutes. The longer you press, the more firm the tofu will be.

Tips for customizing

  • Add more sriracha to the marinade or drizzle it on when serving for extra heat
  • Serve with brown rice and oven roasted broccoli or snow peas for a healthy, balanced meal
  • Serve with Mai Fun noodles and finely shredded carrots, radishes, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, cilantro, and chopped peanuts
  • After marinating toss with cornstarch to make the best crispy tofu
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving
  • Use it to make a tofu wrap for an easy, healthy lunch!

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 817mg | Potassium: 230mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 2.9mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @theliveinkitchen or tag #theliveinkitchen!

The Best Tofu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the tastiest way to make tofu? ›

Press tofu and cube it. Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

How do you get the best flavor in tofu? ›

Instead of considering tofu as merely a meat substitute, consider it a food with limitless potential for flavor and adaptability.
  1. Press tofu to help it absorb flavor. ...
  2. Coat tofu in starch before cooking. ...
  3. Season tofu more than you think. ...
  4. Use a marinade. ...
  5. Toss it in a sauce. ...
  6. Find inspiration from other foods.
Jan 7, 2024

How to get the crispiest tofu? ›

Now, you just need to toss your tofu in a little oil (just 1 tablespoon for the full batch), tamari or soy sauce (for some flavor) and cornstarch or arrowroot starch. The starch makes the edges extra crispy and irresistible (I got this idea from The Kitchn).

What to season tofu with? ›

Most seafood seasonings include celery seed, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Add lime juice to the tofu marinade to bring forward more of that classic seafood flavor. 5. Soy sauce: Marinating tofu in soy sauce helps the tofu absorb flavor quickly.

Should I soak tofu before cooking? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Contains antinutrients

Like most plant foods, tofu contains several antinutrients. These compounds are naturally found in plant foods and lower your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food ( 6 ).

What Cannot be eaten with tofu? ›

BAD COMBO #3: Nuts and Tofu

Phytates — found in nuts, seeds and whole grains — can block the absorption of iron, something plant-based folks need to give extra consideration to when planning their meals. For instance, tofu and other soy products are an easy and protein-packed way for veg-heads to get their iron.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

Why is my tofu so tasteless? ›

Tofu is naturally very bland. However, it is like a sponge when you introduce it to stronger flavours. It can also taste soggy, but if you fry or bake it, it can become crisper or dryer, with with a much more appealing texture. I use this method for cooking tofu in so many recipes.

Why can't I get my tofu crispy? ›

Don't be afraid to spray (or drizzle) a lot of oil on the tofu cubes. They need to be well-coated in order to get a nice crispy exterior! Don't overcrowd the pan. Make sure each cube has enough space around it so they can all crisp up evenly.

What makes tofu taste better? ›

How to Make Tofu Taste Good
  1. Understand the different tofu varieties. ...
  2. Press your tofu. ...
  3. Marinate the tofu – for a long time! ...
  4. Use cornstarch to make crispy tofu. ...
  5. Use sesame oil for pan-frying. ...
  6. A good sauce is your best friend. ...
  7. Crumble it up. ...
  8. Use your blender.
Apr 6, 2022

What to eat with tofu? ›

Rice or Noodles.

We usually serve our tofu stir fry with brown rice (I cook it in the Instant Pot right along with the rest of the meal), but if you prefer tofu stir fry noodles, these are a tasty option, and they cook more quickly too!

How long does tofu last in the fridge? ›

How long does tofu last in the fridge? If it's unopened, you should just go by the use by date on the pack, which will give you the best idea of the shelf life. If it's opened, refrigerated tofu is generally good for 3 to 5 days, as long as you've stored it properly.

How do you make tofu taste like meat? ›

A: Marinating tofu in a rich umami marinade and then searing on high heat will make it taste like meat. The longer you can marinate it for, the more meaty it will taste.

How to cook tofu so it's not rubbery? ›

In Asian cuisine, they are frequently found in stews or soups. Although less prone to drying out and rubberiness, soft tofu should also be cooked over low heat and never boiled, because that will induce bubble formation in the tofu and affect the intended silky texture.

Does boiling tofu make it taste better? ›

Heat, however, helps the flavours to permeate. Boiling tofu to obtain a more reliably solid texture and to impart flavour is not a new method, but it's not commonly used in Western styles of cooking. This method of seasoning tofu is suitable for varying levels of firmness, but not for silken or soft tofu.

Should tofu be cooked or eaten raw? ›

While tofu comes in a variety of textures — silken, firm, and extra firm — technically any of them can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain off any excess liquid from the packaging. It's also important to store tofu properly to prevent germs from growing on any unused portions.

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