Description
Marinated tofu delight brings zesty flavor right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Marinating overnight locks in those delicious Asian-inspired seasonings for a quick protein that makes weeknight meals totally satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 14 oz firm tofu
Liquid Marinade:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Aromatics and Thickeners:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Extract moisture from 14 oz firm tofu by pressing it firmly between paper towels for 15 minutes. Slice the block into 1-inch uniform cubes.
- Create a zesty marinade by whisking ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger in a medium bowl.
- Submerge tofu cubes completely in the marinade. Refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes, turning cubes once midway to ensure even flavor absorption.
- Remove tofu from marinade and dust each piece thoroughly with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ensuring a light, even coating that will create a crispy exterior.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F. Add 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil and carefully place coated tofu cubes in a single layer.
- Sear tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning gently with tongs to maintain cube integrity.
- Pour reserved marinade into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and glosses the tofu.
- Transfer tofu to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions as the final flourish.
Notes
- Ensure your tofu is pressed well, using a tofu press or wrapping in paper towels with a heavy weight to remove maximum moisture for crispier results.
- Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, let it soak overnight in the refrigerator.
- When coating with cornstarch, shake off excess to prevent clumping and achieve a light, crispy exterior.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your sesame oil is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg