Marinated tofu is bursting with flavor.
Tofu is the sponge of vegetarian cuisine, ready to soak up your favorite flavors. Marinating tofu is the best way to impart extra flavor. Always press your tofu before marinating, otherwise it will stay packed with water instead of flavor. Simply lay the tofu between several layers of paper towels and top with a heavy object, such as a book, for 20 minutes to remove moisture. Do not use oil when marinating tofu, since it creates an oil slick on the surface, preventing any flavor from penetrating deep into the tofu. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Sweet and Sour
This Asian-style marinade is ideal for tofu served over rice with sauteed vegetables and pineapple chunks. Whisk 3 tbsp. soy sauce, 3 tbsp. rice wine vinegar, 2 tbsp. ketchup, 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 tbsp. brown sugar together in a bowl. Transfer to a zip-top plastic bag and combine with 1 lb. cubed tofu. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. When the tofu is fully cooked, add the marinade to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Mediterranean
Serve this marinated tofu on top of pasta, in salads or alongside slices of pita bread. Whisk together in a bowl 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, the juice of one lemon, 2 tbsp. honey, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp. dried oregano, 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Transfer to a zip-top plastic bag and add 1 lb. sliced or cubed tofu. If you wish, add vegetables to marinate in the same bag. Eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini and cherry tomatoes would be ideal in this marinade. Allow the tofu and vegetables to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Tex-Mex
a Tex-Mex marinade will get your tofu ready for tasty tacos or fajitas. Mix together in a zip-top plastic bag one package of taco seasoning, the juice of one lime, 1/4 cup chopped scallions, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce. Combine with 1 cup of water and add 1 lb. cubed tofu to the bag. If you like, you can marinate vegetables in the same bag. Sliced pepper, mushrooms and onions will be right at home in this marinade. Allow the tofu and vegetables to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours before cooking.
Barbecue
Throw this marinated tofu on the grill for a crispy exterior and smoky flavor. Whisk together in a bowl 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, 3 tbsp. soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp. honey, 2 tsp. brown or Dijon mustard and a dash of hot sauce. Transfer to a zip-top plastic bag and combine with slices of tofu. Allow the tofu to marinate at least 2 hours or preferably overnight before grilling.
Tags: zip-top plastic, Allow tofu, before cooking, cubed tofu, marinate least, together bowl