You think tofu is boring and has a plain taste? Then try this tofu marinade! It’s super easy to make and it’s packed with flavor. 15 minutes is all you need! 
When I first tried tofu years ago, I wasn’t too impressed! It didn’t taste like much and I thought I definitely don’t need it in my life. Boy, was I wrong!
When prepared the right way, it’s super versatile and it’s so delicious! This easy marinade makes tofu a real star in your kitchen!
What Goes Into This Recipe
- Soy Sauce – use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Maple Syrup – you could also replace it with agave.
- Smoked Paprika Powder – you could use regular paprika powder, but smoked paprika powder gives the tofu a nice smoky taste.
- Rice Vinegar – you most likely find it with other Asian products in the international aisle.
- Red Pepper Flakes – if you want it spicier, you could also add sriracha sauce.
How To Make This Recipe
Before you start with the recipe, you should press the tofu to get rid of the excess water. This way it will become crispier.
Wrap it with a clean dishtowel, put it on a plate, place a baking sheet on top, and place something heathy (like a stack of cookbooks) on top.
1. Step: Cut the garlic and the ginger into thin slices. In an airtight container or a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and whisk well.
2. Step: After the tofu has been pressed for about 10-15 minutes, cut it into cubes. Then add it to the tofu marinade and carefully stir with a spoon until all of the tofu cubes are covered.
3. Step: Cover the container and store it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. If you have enough time, I recommend letting the tofu marinate overnight. This way it will be even more flavorful.
4. Step: Stir the tofu and either pan-fry it or bake it in the oven.
Option 1: Pan-Frying
Heat some oil in a frying pan or in a cast iron skillet.
Add the marinated tofu, but leave the rest of the tofu marinade behind (you can use it later if you want). Fry the tofu until golden brown.
Option 2: Baking
Would you like to bake your tofu instead of pan-frying it? No problem at all! It becomes even crispier this way.
Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
- After the tofu has been marinated for at least 1-2 hours, place it in a bowl leaving the remaining tofu marinade behind.
- Add two tablespoons of corn starch (for 14 ounces of tofu). Make sure all cubes are covered in corn starch. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu cubes on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, tossing halfway.
Recipe Notes
- If you have enough time, I definitely recommend letting the tofu marinate overnight. This way it will be even more flavorful.
- Do you want to make the tofu marinade gluten-free? Then just replace the soy sauce with tamari.
- As the tofu needs some time to marinade, it’s best to plan ahead. Apart from the waiting time, the recipe couldn’t be much easier!
- If you want your tofu marinade to be a bit spicier, you can also add a bit of sriracha to the marinade.
Ways To Serve This Recipe:
There are many delicious ways to serve it. Here are some great ideas!
You could serve it:
- over brown rice topped with green onions and sriracha sauce
- in a vegetable stir-fry with bell pepper, broccoli, onions, beans, and mushrooms
- on a big salad (I prefer the oven-baked version in this case)
- on a sandwich with vegan mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes
FAQs:
What Kind of Tofu Should I Use?
I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu. It has already been pressed enough to hold its shape fairly well when you buy it.
Please do not use soft or silken tofu for this recipe. It will fall apart when pressing. Unlike firm tofu, soft or “silken” tofu is usually used for vegan sauces or mousses that are blended.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers will last 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven (about 10 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway).
Related Tofu Recipes:
- Air Fryer Tofu
- General Tso Tofu
- Teriyaki Tofu
- Tofu Stir Fry
- Tofu Scramble
- 20 Delicious Vegan Tofu Recipes
- Baked Tofu Sticks
I Love To Hear From You
I hope you like this tofu marinade as much as we do around here.
If you give it a try, I’d love to know what you think about it. Just leave me a comment and a star rating below. Your comments really make my day!
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Sina
Tofu Marinade
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
For the tofu marinade:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Start by pressing your tofu. Remove the tofu from the packaging.Then wrap it with a clean dishtowel. Alternatively, you could also use paper towels.Cover with a baking sheet and then place something heavy on top. I usually use a stack of cookbooks. But you could also use cans of beans, a cast iron skillet, or smaller weights you use for weight lifting exercises. Let it press for about 10-15 minutes.
- In the meantime, make the tofu marinade. Cut the garlic and the ginger into thin slices. In an airtight container or a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and whisk well.
- After the tofu has been pressed for about 10-15 minutes, cut it into cubes. Then add it to the tofu marinade and carefully stir with a spoon until all of the tofu cubes are covered.
- Cover the container and store it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. If you have enough time, I recommend letting the tofu marinate overnight. This way it will be even more flavorful.
- To pan-fry the marinated tofu:Heat some oil in a frying pan or in a cast iron skillet.Add the marinated tofu, but leave the rest of the tofu marinade behind (you can use it later if you want). Fry the tofu until golden brown.
- How to bake the marinated tofu:Preheat your oven to 350 °F. After the tofu has been marinated for at least 1-2 hours, place it in a bowl leaving the remaining tofu marinade behind.Add two tablespoons of corn starch (for 14 ounces of tofu). Make sure all cubes are covered in corn starch. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tofu cubes on top.Bake for 25 minutes, tossing halfway.
- Serve over brown rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions. I also like to add a bit of sriracha on top.
Notes
- If you have enough time, I definitely recommend letting the tofu marinate overnight. This way it will be even more flavorful.
- Do you want to make the tofu marinade gluten-free? Then just replace the soy sauce with tamari.
- As the tofu needs some time to marinade, it's best to plan ahead. Apart from the waiting time, the recipe couldn't be much easier!
- If you want your tofu marinade to be a bit spicier, you can also add a bit of sriracha to the marinade.
Bobby
This is soooo good! One of the best tofu recipes I’ve made. Thank you!
Crystal White
This is this best ever! Thank you!