Do you often cook with tofu? How about marinating tofu? As tofu is so absorbent, it truly does suck up the flavor of any marinade.
Think of tofu as a clean canvas; tofu absorbs flavor and is ideal for marinating.
Tofu is great for quick 15 minute marinades. However, longer marination is also an excellent way to get the most out of your meal!
Here are a few tricks and tips to getting the best out of your tofu.
1) Marinated vs. plain
Tofu on its own lacks flavor.
This is not necessarily a bad thing as it makes this vegan protein adaptable to any cuisine. There are no strict rules around marinating tofu for it to taste great. The texture of tofu makes it easy to use in a variety of dishes.
Some do not need a base flavor and benefit from its bland flavor profile.
When using tofu in sauces and for creamed desserts, you don’t need to marinate it beforehand to adapt and blend in with the flavors added.
It is advisable to marinate tofu when using tofu as a substitute for meat or in dishes where it will be the star of the meal.
2) Nothing better than marinating tofu
Do you like tofu?
There is just something about tofu that has been marinated in a delicious sauce that tickles the taste buds. As tofu is so absorbent, it truly does suck up the flavor of any marinade.
A truly unique quality that makes it a lot easier to create pockets of flavor in your dish.
You don’t have to be marinating tofu in the same sauce you will use for your curry or stir-fries.
Instead, using flavors that compliment your meal in your marinade will elevate your food and open up new doors to flavor town!
Note
Take into consideration how you will prepare your tofu, if it is going straight into a saucy dish in the form of cubes or if you are grilling it before adding it to your meal.
3) Don’t skip the (soy) sauce!
Marinades don’t have to be complicated affairs.
Sometimes the most straightforward recipe is the most effective. If you are pressed for time or ingredients, a rummage around in your pantry or refrigerator should turn up some great results.
From BBQ sauce to something as simple as soy sauce, all are excellent for marinating tofu.
When opting for a meaty flavor, opt for something with body like marmite or even spiced peanut butter with lime juice. The golden rule is to allow the tofu to marinate for a bare minimum of 15 minutes.
Overnight
Some tofu experts highly recommended to marinating tofu for more extended periods so that the sauces can saturate into the tofu.
Try marinating tofu overnight.
Some recipes could benefit from a 24-hour marinade.
Best marinades and glazes for extra firm tofu
When researching tofu marinades, consider that most meat marinades are vegan or vegetarian friendly. Using pre existing marinades on your tofu is an excellent way to ensure that your tofu tastes like your favorite tried and tested meaty meals.
Do you often cook with tofu? How about marinating tofu? As tofu is so absorbent, it truly does suck up the flavor of any marinade.
Try these 2 quick and easy tofu marinades that can be used with any tofu.
Coconut and Lime Tofu Marinade
This zingy and tropical marinade hits all the right notes. This recipe is safe for those on a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diet.
The Recipe
This zingy and tropical marinade hits all the right notes. This recipe is safe for those on a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diet.
- 14 oz block of tofu (400 g)
- 1 cup shredded cilantro fresh
- 2/3 cup low-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- 1 juiced lime (keep the zest)
- 2 tbs soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes hot or not, the choice is yours
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1. Press the tofu for 15 minutes in a tofu press or 30 minutes using a chopping board weighted with something heavy.
2. In a medium to large zip lock bag, combine all the other ingredients. Seal the bag and give it a good shake to combine.
3. Remove the tofu from the press, slice into thick slices or cubes.
4. Place the tofu into the bag, and seal once again. Shake the bag and gently rub the marinade into the tofu through the bag.
5. Place the bag into the refrigerator and marinate for 8 - 24 hours. If you use super firm tofu, you can marinate for up to 3 days.
6. Cook or add to your meals as you see fit.
Yakatori Style Japanese BBQ
This quick and easy marinade recipe doubles up as a smokey BBQ glaze! Vegan, gluten-free, and suitable for sugar-free diets!
The Recipe
This quick and easy marinade recipe doubles up as a smokey BBQ glaze! Vegan, gluten-free, and suitable for sugar-free diets!
- 1 block of tofu firm or extra firm
- 1 cm finger of ginger freshly grated
- 1 clove garlic freshly minced, or 1 tsp garlic flakes
- 2 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake or rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (use brown sugar if you are not on a sugar-free diet)
- Optional: 1 tsp hot chili flakes
- For the glaze: 1-2 tbsp corn starch
1. In a bowl, combine the liquid ingredients, mix until it is well combined. Add the ginger, garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika.
2. Press the tofu until it reaches the desired texture.
3. Place the pressed tofu in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 8 hours.
4. For Yakatori stir-fried veg: Remove the tofu from the marinade, set the excess to one side. Heat a cast-iron skillet or wok with a drizzle of sesame oil. Dip the tofu in a little corn starch, place in the skillet, and fry on high heat. Flip the tofu only when it has crisped up.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to your marinade. Add your stir fry vegetables to the skillet once your tofu has browned on each side. Pour the sauce over, stirring continuously. The glaze will begin to thicken and become glossy. Serve on a bed of rice, or toss your noodles straight into the pan to mop up the glaze!
Quick conversions
Tofu is one of the most effortless vegan meat substitutes to use.
It doesn’t have its distinct flavor that will interfere with your meal or one that you have to cover up. That alone allows for maximum flavor in every plate. Try using marinades that you would generally use on meat; you will be amazed at the results.
Do you often cook with tofu? How about marinating tofu? As tofu is so absorbent, it truly does suck up the flavor of any marinade.
