Bright & Spicy Tofu

The only tofu recipe you’ll ever need. This meal is veg and vegan friendly (substitute honey for maple syrup if you prefer!) and is super quick to make. The sauce is versatile to customize or use for other dishes, as well. Soft, firm, or extra firm tofu can be used for this recipe — whatever you prefer! The more firm the tofu, the easier to work with while frying. I’ve also made this with silken tofu, but you must accept that your block will fall apart and you will have to mix everything together in the pot as opposed to serving it as a cute block.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Prepare all ingredients (except tofu) and combine in jar. Shake to mix and then refrigerate to let marinate for at least an hour. Can be kept overnight! The flavors are better the longer they have to meet each other.

Step 2

When your sauce/marinade is ready to use, start to prepare the tofu.

Step 3

Drain and pat the block of tofu dry. Get it really dry, but make sure to keep the block intact.

Step 4

Cut a square pattern into the tofu — I like to make about 1/2” squares. Cut only about 3/4 through the block to make sure it stays intact.

Step 5

Heat a medium sized non-stick pan on medium heat with a small amount of neutral oil. Place the tofu in the pan and fry on each side for ~5 min until golden brown.

Step 6

Transfer the tofu to a plate, cut side up. Again, be careful to make sure it doesn’t fall apart (I like to slide it!)

Step 7

Add the sauce to the same pan and let cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, or until it has thickened and reduced slightly. It should be aromatic and simmering, but not boiling. The goal is to warm everything up and take off some heat from the raw veggies, but not to actually cook them.

Step 8

Pour the sauce over your tofu, making sure it gets into all of the crevices. Serve immediately and enjoy!