Tofu, oh tofu! It’s like the chameleon of the culinary world—blending into whatever flavors you throw at it, yet standing out with its own personality. I remember the first time I managed to get that perfect crispy edge—such a proud moment, like finally nailing the perfect cat-eye with eyeliner.
These crispy vegan tofu recipes are not just meals; they’re like little crunchy clouds of joy. Plus, they’re vegan, which feels like a bonus (or maybe even a little rebellious) in a world that’s still very much in love with bacon. Whether you’re a tofu aficionado or a tentative first-timer, there’s something here to delight your taste buds and maybe even surprise your palate.
So grab that block of tofu that’s been waiting patiently in your fridge and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Drain the tofu and slice it into ?-inch slabs, yielding about 8 to 11 slices. Lay the slices on a paper towel-lined cutting board, cover with additional paper towels, and press with a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, then adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Set aside 4 tablespoons of this marinade.
- Place tofu slabs in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them, using a pastry brush to ensure they are evenly coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat a gas grill to medium or medium-high heat, and clean the grates with a grill brush. Using oil-soaked paper towels and tongs, coat the grill grates with oil, allowing the oil to smoke briefly before reapplying, repeating this process 3-4 times to season the grill.
- Reduce the grill burners directly under the tofu to low before placing the tofu on the grill. Close the lid and grill for 8-10 minutes until grill marks form. Carefully flip the tofu slabs and continue grilling for another 7-10 minutes.
- Once the tofu is grilled, brush it with the reserved marinade for added flavor before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14-ounce) Earth Grown Organic Extra Firm Tofu
- 3/4 cup (9g) cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
- 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- ? cup (80 mL) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ cup (60 mL) Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Simply Nature 100% Avocado Oil
Nutritional Values
Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Sodium: 697mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 846IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- What types of tofu are available and how do they differ?
- Tofu comes in two main forms: silken and regular “block” tofu. Silken tofu is softer and often used in smoothies, desserts, and sauces. Regular tofu varies in firmness—ranging from firm to super-firm—with the firmer varieties having less water content, making them ideal for frying, grilling, or baking.
- How can I enhance the texture and flavor of tofu?
- Improving tofu’s texture and flavor involves pressing, freezing, or boiling. Pressing removes excess water, allowing the tofu to crisp up and absorb flavors better. Freezing makes tofu more porous, enhancing its ability to soak up marinades. Boiling firm tofu for a couple of minutes can also improve its texture and flavor absorption.
- What is the best way to press tofu?
- To press tofu, wrap it in a dish towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object like a cookbook or skillet on top. You might want to use some cans to evenly distribute the weight. Let it rest for at least 10 to 30 minutes, changing towels if necessary.
- Can tofu be frozen, and what effect does it have?
- Yes, tofu can be frozen. Freezing helps create a chewier texture and improves its ability to absorb flavors. To freeze, simply place the tofu in the freezer for about 8 hours. Defrost it in the fridge or microwave before use.
- What are some cooking tips for getting crispy tofu?
- For crispy tofu, choose extra-firm or super-firm varieties, press the tofu to remove moisture, and cook using methods like pan-frying, stir-frying, or grilling. These techniques help achieve a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside tender.
Tips
- Press the Tofu for Better Texture: Before cooking, press firm or extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture. This step enhances its ability to crisp up and absorb flavors, making it ideal for stir-frying, baking, or grilling.
- Try Freezing for a Chewier Texture: Freezing tofu makes it more porous and chewy. Freeze a whole package, then thaw it for a texture that absorbs marinades and sauces better.
- Boil to Enhance Flavor Absorption: If you haven’t frozen your tofu, quickly boil cubed tofu in salted water for two minutes. This method improves its texture, making it chewier and more flavorful.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: To infuse tofu with flavor, marinate it for at least 15 minutes. Allowing it to sit longer or refrigerate can enhance the taste even more, making your tofu dishes more delicious.
Equipment
- Tofu Press – For pressing tofu to remove excess water.
- Heavy-Duty Grill Brush – To clean grill grates effectively.
- Food Processor or High-Powered Blender – For making the marinade.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Used as a weight for pressing tofu.
- Gas Grill – If you don’t already have one for grilling the tofu.
- Tongs and/or Thin Metal Spatula – For flipping the tofu on the grill.
- Pastry Brush – For evenly coating the tofu with marinade.
