It’s chillin’ and grillin’ time! fried tofu A fresh summer meal! Citrus marinade combined with mango salsa make this grilled tofu recipe the perfect meal for a spring or summer night.
When the temperature is warm, I like to cook on the grill. And grilled tofu is one of my favorite recipes! This grilled tofu recipe is unique because of the fresh juice marinade and mango salsa served on top.
Jump:
First and foremost, knowing how to prepare tofu is crucial to grilling tofu.
When cooked the right way, tofu is a vegetarian delicacy! You can turn tofu into any main or side dish with the right marinade and cooking technique. Tofu is like a sponge. Not only does tofu absorb flavor, it can be cooked in a variety of ways. Grilled tofu, for example, is one of my favorite tofu recipes!
What type of tofu is best for grilling?
Since then, of course, I’ve learned a thing or two. The type of tofu you buy, for example, is essential. For example, soft tofu is used for dressings, dips and sauces.
On the other hand, extra firm tofu is made for entrees and can be baked, air-fried, grilled or sautéed. I always buy the firmest tofu as a general rule.
Sprouted tofu is the firmest tofu, and does not require pressing. This is my favorite because I don’t have to press it. Instead, I use a paper towel to dry it and it’s ready.
For years I avoided eating tofu. Every time I made tofu, I moved it to the side of the plate because it was either fried or mushy. Most restaurants fry it, which I’m not interested in, and people who bake and grill seem to have the same problem as me; Soft flavorless tofu.
Then, I scooped it out with my EZ Tofu Press. I bought it on Amazon and I made the same mistake in the beginning. I didn’t follow the instructions (a problem of mine, haha); I was in a hurry as usual, and I got the same result… tasteless tofu I didn’t like.
I have many friends who share the same frustration, and although I’ve posted tofu recipes with similar instructions, this post is about pressing and cooking them properly, so you can enjoy tofu like I do.
How to press tofu
First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the liquid from the package.
Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs evenly for about four turns. I usually put the tofu press in the sink on its side, but I put it on a plate to drain for this visual post.
- Turn the knobs evenly every two minutes until you get the result (last picture).
- Most people stop here…not yet. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed in as far as possible, almost touching in opposite directions.
- Although I have never tried it, I decided this time to measure the amount of water I got from the bottom of the plate.
- The amount was ¾ cup of liquid.
- Now, remove the press from the plate, and I give another press with a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- Next, cut the tofu into 4 even slabs.
- Or, skip pressing altogether and buy sprouted tofu that doesn’t require pressing.
Citrus Mojo Marinade Ingredients
For example, making a great marinade is the secret to great grilled tofu. For example, I made a fresh citrus mojo marinade for this recipe. Of course, if you can squeeze fresh juice, use fresh fruit instead of bottled juice.
Another suggestion is to allow the tofu to marinate overnight to absorb all the flavors of the marinade.
- Fresh orange, lime and lemon juice: I use a juicer to remove the pulp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has the best flavor.
- Cumin: Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor.
- Fresno Chili Peppers: Red Fresnos have a hot, sweet flavor and are often added to pickles or sauces.
Substitute citrus mojo marinade ingredients
- If fresh juice is not available, use bottled juice.
- Garlic flakes, also called dehydrated (or dried) minced garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic flakes in place of each clove. Garlic Cloves: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic cloves in place of each clove. Garlic Powder: Use ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder in place of each clove.
- Coriander is often used in place of cumin.
- Substitute fresno chile peppers or dried red pepper flakes for jalapeños.
Also, I always turn my tofu while soaking it in the marinade so the tofu absorbs the flavors.
cooking options
Although I love grilled tofu, only a few have the climate for grilling or grilling outside. Therefore, other cooking options are available, so you won’t miss this great grilled tofu recipe.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to low.
- Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you’re careful, place the tofu directly on the grill.
- Cook for about 8 minutes on each side.
- Remove from grill and keep in marinade until ready to use.
- Then, cut into strips or cubes or leave as tofu steaks.
baking
- Follow the same pressing and marinating process.
- Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Place sliced ​​or diced tofu on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and flip tofu over; Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Air Frying
- Follow the same pressing and marinating process.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times through the cooking process.
Serving advice
Although I love grilled tofu, adding fresh mango salsa is a game-changer! For example, the citrus garlic flavor of Mojo Marinade pairs perfectly with fresh mango salsa.
I also served it with grilled asparagus. Yum!
Another great accompaniment is pineapple coleslaw.
Recipe FAQs
Tofu is perfect for grilling Because it tastes the way you like it! You want to let your tofu sit in a marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Although tofu comes in a variety of textures — silken, firm and extra firm — Technically, they can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain excess liquid from packaging. Proper storage of tofu is also essential to prevent microbial growth in unused parts.
Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food rich in bone-building calcium and manganese. Tofu can help you lose weight by keeping you full longer with fewer calories than meat. It can reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal protein.
advice
- Marinating the tofu for 30 minutes or longer (I prefer overnight) helps absorb more flavor.
- Preheat the grill before adding the marinated tofu.
- I like to use extra firm or sprouted tofu.
- If you don’t have a tofu press, use paper towels, a heavy pan, or a book.
- Be patient when pressing the tofu; Slow and steady wins and keeps the tofu from cracking or breaking when pressed.
- Add mango salsa, chimichurri sauce, tomatillo salsa, or corn salsa for added flavor.
If you want a great fresh summer dinner, try grilled tofu. And don’t forget the mango salsa recipe above. I also served my grilled tofu with grilled asparagus.
If you like this grilled tofu recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We want to hear from you!
📖 Recipe
Grilled Tofu
It’s chillin’ and grillin’ time! Grilled tofu is a fresh summer meal! Citrus marinade combined with mango salsa make this grilled tofu recipe the perfect meal for a spring or summer night.
instructions
Press/prepare the tofu
First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the liquid from the package.
Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs evenly for about four turns. Finally, I usually place the tofu press in the sink on a plate to drain.
Turn the knobs evenly every two minutes until you get the result (last picture).
Most people stop here…not yet. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed in until they almost touch the other end. Although I have never tried it, I decided this time to measure the amount of water I got from the bottom of the plate.
The amount was ¾ cup of liquid.
Now, remove the press from the plate, and I give another press with a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
Next, cut the tofu into 4 even slabs.
Citrus Mojo Marinade
Whisk all the ingredients together and place in a shallow dish with a sealed cover.
Add pressed tofu squares.
Seal the top and shake the marinade to cover all the tofu.
Refrigerate overnight if possible (several hours minimum).
Every time I go into the fridge I turn the pot upside down so the tofu absorbs the marinade.
Grilled Tofu
Preheat the grill to low
Place a grill mat on the grill (you can also use a grill pan, or if you’re careful, place the tofu directly on the grill.
Cook for about 8 minutes on each side
Remove from grill and keep in marinade until ready to use.
Then, cut into strips or cubes.
baking
Follow the same pressing and marinating process.
Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place sliced ​​or diced tofu on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and flip tofu over; Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Air Frying
Follow the same pressing and marinating process.
Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket several times during cooking.
Comment
- Marinating the tofu for 30 minutes or longer (I prefer overnight) helps absorb more flavor.
- Preheat the grill before adding the marinated tofu.
- I like to use extra firm or sprouted tofu.
- If you don’t have a tofu press, use paper towels, a heavy pan, or a book.
- Be patient when pressing the tofu; Slow and steady wins and keeps the tofu from cracking or breaking when pressed.
- Add mango salsa, chimichurri sauce, tomatillo salsa, or corn salsa for added flavor.
nutrition
Worship: 4gCalories: 100kcalSugars: 13gProtein: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fats: 1gMonounsaturated fats: 1gSodium: 67mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 199IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Oh! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher and vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is completely plant-based vegan. I truly believe that what we eat and how we live determines our health and the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Source link