The only recipe you need to make the best marinated crispy tofu! This crispy, smoky tofu really is a pleasure to make. Simply marinade the tofu in a quick thrown together sauce then fry for 10 minutes until golden-brown and crunchy. That’s prep to plate in under 30 minutes making it perfect for a lazy yet healthy weekday dinner.
How to make tofu taste good
I know some vegetarian’s would rather their plant based protein doesn’t resemble meat but a lot of veggie and vegan folk do like the taste and texture of meat, but just don’t appreciate the ethical and environmental ramifications that come with eating it. This recipe for crispy smoked tofu will allow you to enjoy the same texture and taste of chicken but without any of the guilt.
To make crispy tofu it is essential you use firm or extra firm tofu. The next vital step is to ensure you fry your tofu really well until crispy and slightly charred. Not only will this mean your tofu is perfectly crisp but it will also make for a more complex, smoky taste. I don’t want to get too technical but charring food in this way is known as the ‘Maillard reaction’ and adds richness and complexity to food. Basically your food will taste so much better when you make it good and brown! Just be careful not to burn it as that will only result in a bitter taste.
The ingredients
Firm tofu is best used to achieve that lovely chewy texture; extra firm tofu is even better if you can lay your hands on it. Firm tofu has been pressed and usually only contains a small amount of water making it easier for you attain that chewy, ‘meaty’ texture.
For the marinade I’ve gone for sauce with lots of umami flavour to compliment the already smoky, charred tofu. Use soy sauce, tomato puree and smoked paprika for your rich base. Next add in some maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, before finishing with a good squeeze of fresh lime juice to help balance the flavours. Now don’t skimp on the oil. I really advocate using sesame oil in the marinade which adds a subtle nutty flavour which just cannot be replicated with other oils.
The method
Drain the block of tofu then gently press in a tea towel for 20 seconds and slice into bite sized cubes. In a bowl, mix all the remaining ingredients. Add the tofu to the mix ensuring the cubes are fully coated and immersed in the marinade. Leave to rest for 20 minutes to allow the flavours to absorb.
Next heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over a moderate heat. Scoop out the tofu into the pan, ensuring you leave some marinade behind in the bowl for later use. Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring it is crisp and charred before turning. Turn off the heat, remove the pan from the hob and leave for 1 minute to cool slightly, then add in your marinade and stir to combine. Serve with your favourite grain and enjoy!
Leave a comment and let me know how you get on making this crispy smoky tofu I would love to see your creations over on instagram!
more plant based dinner inspiration
Chakalaka, bean and tomato relish
Aubergine with harissa, roasted chickpeas and saffron rice
Crispy Smoky Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 x 400g block firm or extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF option)
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil to fry
Instructions
- Drain the block of tofu then gently press in between a clean tea towel for 20 seconds. Slice into bite sized cubes.
- In a bowl mix all the remaining ingredients. Add the tofu to the mixture ensuring the cubes are fully coated and immersed in the marinade. Leave for 20 minutes to allow the flavours to absorb.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan over a moderate heat. Scoop the tofu out into the frying pan, ensuing you leave some marinade behind in the bowl for later use.
- Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring it is crisp and brown before turning.
- Turn off the heat, remove the pan from the heat and leave for 1 minute to cool slightly, then add in your marinade and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.