Not only is this Sweet and Savory Smoky Tofu totally delicious, but it is super easy to prepare as well! Make it to put on a delectable salad, place over a bed of greens, or toss into your favorite stir fry.
Tofu is made from curdled soy milk that the water has been removed from. It is a great source of protein from that soy and provides a healthy dose of calcium and manganese from a plant-based source. Many people use it as a meat substitute because it is fairly bland, it marinates well, and has a meat-like texture making it an easy switch without subbing out that necessary protein.
To make, you’ll need to freeze the tofu overnight in the original, unopened package. Remove the tofu from the freezer and defrost by running hot water on the package. Press the water out of the tofu by gently squeezing it with your hands. When you drain the tofu, it allows for it to absorb the marinade much more easily. When pressed, cut the tofu into 8 triangular pieces about ½ inch thick and set aside. In a bowl, combine the sesame seed oil, maple syrup, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, and black pepper and stir together. Soak the tofu pieces in the marinade for at least an hour or even overnight. After it is soaked, heat up a pan with vegetable oil. Cook the tofu pieces for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Make sure the tofu has a blackened color for the best smoky flavor. Remove from the pan and enjoy!
Our favorite way to enjoy tofu is over a nice, hearty bed of greens. Toss it on a salad with some kale, quinoa, and veggies for a perfectly tasty and balanced meal. Have you had sweet and savory smoky tofu before? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
- 1 package of firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of orange juice
- 2 tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Freeze tofu over night in original unopened package.
- Remove tofu from freezer and defrost by running hot water on package.
- Press the water out of the tofu by squeezing gently with your hands. This will allow for the flavors to be absorbed more easily.
- When pressed, cut the tofu into 8 triangular pieces about 1/2 inch thick, and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the sesame seed oil, maple syrup, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice and black pepper and stir.
- Soak the tofu pieces in the marinade for at least an hour. For best results, soak overnight in the fridge.
- After soaked, heat up a pan (doesn’t necessarily have to be a grilling pan) with vegetable oil.
- Cook the tofu pieces for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Make sure the tofu has a blackened color.
- Remove and enjoy!
- Enjoy with vegetables & your favorite grain!
Crystal
October 2, 2012 at 2:11 am (7 years ago)I have tried so many times with tofu and always a fail! But I’m willing to try this with each method! Thanks!
Wendy
October 2, 2012 at 7:41 am (7 years ago)I know! It takes a bit of trial and error to get it right, but I promise once you do, you’ll be hooked! We also have a scrambled tofu recipe you can try on here. Hope it comes out delish! xo
Mel
December 10, 2012 at 12:12 pm (6 years ago)You guys are amazing, and I can’t wait to try this one. Just wondering why we freeze the tofu? Thanks so much!
Wendy
December 10, 2012 at 12:19 pm (6 years ago)Hey there! Thanks for the love. The tofu is frozen because it gives it more texture (a bit more chewier) It works either way though!
Mel
December 10, 2012 at 6:30 pm (6 years ago)Not only are you guys awesome, your response time to questions is impeccable. True professionalism. You guys are going FAR!
~Mel
Rose
May 10, 2016 at 9:22 pm (3 years ago)I ran my tofu under hot water… And I thought it was defrosted because it felt soft again through the package. But I opened it, and the core is still frozen. Should I just leave it out until it thaws?
Wendy
May 11, 2016 at 1:59 am (3 years ago)yep let it thaw or let it sit in a tub of hot water until it’s fully defrosted