Crispy Marinated Tofu
Deliciously crispy marinated tofu infused with umami flavors, perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari Main source of flavor
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Balances the richness of the tofu
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil Infuses nutty depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Provides aromatic warmth
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated Offers zesty, slightly spicy flavor
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Adds sweetness
For the tofu and cooking
- 1 block firm or extra firm tofu The star protein for this dish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Creates a crispy exterior
- 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil For pan-searing
- 2 cups steamed rice Serves as the base
- 2 cups sautéed broccoli Excellent side
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Crunchy garnish
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions For color and flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain the tofu by wrapping it in kitchen towels and placing something heavy on top for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Unwrap the pressed tofu and cut it into small cubes, placing them in a shallow bowl or on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Pour half of the marinade over the tofu cubes, gently tossing to coat.
- Let the tofu sit for 20 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature to marinate. For deeper flavor, consider marinating overnight in the fridge.
- Set aside the remaining marinade to use as a sauce later.
Cooking
- Gently toss the marinated tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Place the tofu into the skillet in batches, cooking until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Once all the tofu is cooked, add the reserved marinade mixed with a tablespoon of water back into the skillet, tossing to combine until everything is heated through.
Serving
- Plate the tofu over steamed rice with sautéed broccoli.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
For an extra crispy texture, spray tofu lightly with oil if using an air fryer. Ensure to drain tofu thoroughly and avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking.