Lemon-Herb Tofu

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< 1 min read
Summary

Bland tofu — no more! In this simple recipe, the lemon juice and tamari bake deep into the tofu, and the dried herbs coat each piece. Seasoned organic tofu is a delicious way to get plant-based protein, calcium, zinc and phytonutrients that support optimal health!

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time10 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time40 mins

Ingredients

 3 ½ tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
 2 tbsp organic tamari (reduced-sodium or coconut aminos)
 1 tsp maple syrup
 1 tsp dried oregano
 ½ tsp dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
 ½ tsp dried basil
 2 pinches ground black pepper (+1 pinch as desired)
 12 oz extra-firm organic tofu (cut into squares about 1⁄4–1⁄2” thick, and patted to remove excess moisture, see Chef’s Note)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In an 8x12" baking dish, combine all ingredients (except tofu), and stir through until well incorporated.

2

Add the tofu and coat each side. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.

3

Turn the tofu over, and continue to bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, turning again when there are just a few minutes of cooking time remaining.

4

At this time, the tofu should have soaked up most of the marinade. Remove from oven and let cool a little before serving, or serve hot.

Chef's Notes

Tofu
The texture of tofu varies greatly by brand, even when described as “extra-firm”. I have used varieties of extra-firm that I would describe as medium. For this recipe, the tofu should be firm enough to easily slice uncooked, without the tofu squishing or breaking off as you slice it. Brands that work well are Trader Joe’s high-protein extra-firm tofu, and Sunrise Soyganic extra-firm tofu. If the tofu you are using seems soft, it’s helpful to press it in a tofu press or between plates (weighted) to remove more moisture. It will still taste fine, but the texture will be softer and may fall apart slightly.

Serving Suggestions
This tofu serves 4 when paired with a grain, potatoes, pasta, or used as a sandwich filling. For very hearty appetites, or if serving with salad, it may more comfortably serve 2–3.

Try in a ‘buddha bowl’ with short- or long-grain brown rice, steamed kale or spinach, grated carrot and beet, and cubed avocado. Use a favourite dressing to drizzle over top!

I often use this tofu to make sandwiches. You can use in slices, or pulse through a small food processor until the tofu becomes slightly sticky. Add any condiments of choice, and use as a filling (much like you had used egg salad in the past). Serve with pasta and marinara sauce, add in steamed broccoli — dinner is done!

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe adapted from Vive le Vegan! by Dreena Burton.

Ingredients

 3 ½ tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
 2 tbsp organic tamari (reduced-sodium or coconut aminos)
 1 tsp maple syrup
 1 tsp dried oregano
 ½ tsp dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
 ½ tsp dried basil
 2 pinches ground black pepper (+1 pinch as desired)
 12 oz extra-firm organic tofu (cut into squares about 1⁄4–1⁄2” thick, and patted to remove excess moisture, see Chef’s Note)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In an 8x12" baking dish, combine all ingredients (except tofu), and stir through until well incorporated.

2

Add the tofu and coat each side. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.

3

Turn the tofu over, and continue to bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, turning again when there are just a few minutes of cooking time remaining.

4

At this time, the tofu should have soaked up most of the marinade. Remove from oven and let cool a little before serving, or serve hot.

Lemon-Herb Tofu