Want to make tofu taste irresistible? Try this Marinated Tofu recipe! The easy balsamic marinade is easy to put together and soaks into the tofu within 30 minutes.
Whether you’re new to cooking tofu or a seasoned pro, this Marinated Tofu recipe is a must-have in your repertoire. Not only does it produce the most flavorful tofu ever, but it’s a quick and easy staple that every vegan needs in their back pocket. All it takes is simple ingredients and a brick of tofu!
Why marinate tofu? For extra flavor, of course! Tofu is known for having a mild, somewhat bland flavor on its own, but acts like a sponge when it’s dipped into specialty marinades and sauces. It’ll soak up anything you throw at it, from simple marinades like this recipe to vegan bacon seasoning, stir fry sauce, and more.
The balsamic marinated tofu is pan-fried to develop a crispy crust and seal in that flavor. If pan-frying isn’t your thing, toss the tofu in the oven or air fryer instead! I always choose the fastest cooking method because it lets me enjoy the flavored tofu on salads, grain bowls, or wraps that much quicker.
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Tofu marinade ingredients
- Tofu - Firm or extra firm tofu is always best because it contains less moisture. The less moisture and water in your tofu, the better it will be at absorbing the marinade.
- Balsamic vinegar - This is a balsamic tofu marinade, so balsamic vinegar is a must.
- Maple syrup - For a touch of natural sweetness and balance.
- Liquid aminos - Or use soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves will give the tofu marinade the most addictive flavor. Feel free to use garlic powder instead.
How to make marinated tofu
Always press the tofu before doing anything else. You can do this with a tofu press or by wrapping the brick in a paper towel and placing something heavy on top. When it’s done draining after 15 minutes, you’re ready to begin:
- Make the marinade: Whisk the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, Italian seasonings, and liquid aminos together in a small bowl.
- Cube the tofu: Slice the brick of tofu into cubes.
- Marinate the tofu: Combine the tofu cubes and marinade in a freezer bag. Seal and shake to combine. Place it in the fridge and let the tofu marinate until it’s time to cook.
- Pan-fry the marinated tofu: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the marinated tofu cubes and fry until a crust forms on all sides. Take the pan off the heat, pour in the reserved marinade, and stir until it evaporates. Season the fried tofu with salt and pepper, then enjoy!
Tips for success
- You can reserve the leftover marinade, store it in the fridge, and reuse it another time.
- Don’t flip the tofu in the skillet too early or else it won’t crisp.
- Experiment with more tofu marinades! Swap the balsamic marinade for peanut sauce, teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or this spicy Vietnamese dipping sauce.
Serving suggestions
The balsamic flavors in the marinade make this tofu recipe especially delicious on top of green salads, in veggie wraps or vegan gyros, and on buddha bowls with tahini dressing. It can also be layered into simple sandwiches with tomato, lettuce, and vegan mayo, mixed into a stir fry, or enjoyed as a snack on its own with ranch dressing.
Frequently asked questions
To bake the marinated tofu, lay the cubes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with the marinade and bake at 350ºF for about 40 minutes (flipping halfway) or until the cubes are firm and slightly crisp. The baking method is oil free but it won’t crisp the outside of the tofu as much as frying.
Yes! Marinate the tofu as normal and use the instructions in my air fryer tofu recipe to air fry the marinated tofu.
Tofu can be left to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight.
Yes! Tofu is like a sponge and absorbs the flavors from the marinade like a pro. It’s especially easy to flavor when it’s cut into small cubes.
The fried marinated tofu cubes can be cooked ahead of time and stored for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. It’s a great last-minute salad topping to always have on hand!
Looking for more tofu recipes?
Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Marinated Tofu
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Want to make tofu taste irresistible? Try this Marinated Tofu recipe! The easy balsamic marinade is easy to put together and soaks into the tofu within 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Braggs liquid aminos, can sub Tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 4-5 cloves garlic, chopped small ( approximately 3 tablespoons)
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil (for frying tofu)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
First press the tofu: Wrap tofu in a couple layers of paper towel and then place something heavy on top. I usually use my cast iron frying pan with a couple cans of food on top. Press for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Make marinade: While the tofu is pressing in a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, Italian spice and Braggs and set aside. (you can also do this right in the ziplock bag😊)
- Cube and marinate Tofu: Slice the tofu into approximately 1 inch cubes. Add the tofu to a large freezer bag with the marinade, making sure it is all coated. Squeeze the excess air out, seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight (longer is better but 30 minutes works great). After 30 minutes strain the tofu and reserve the marinade.
- Cook: Heat up a large non stick skillet on medium high heat with the oil. Once hot add the tofu and distribute evenly in the pan. Let cook for 3-5 minutes without touching so a crust forms. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes or so, careful not to burn the garlic. If you find the pan to hot turn it down to medium heat.
- Enjoy: Remove from heat and add the reserved marinade, stirring until evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste (brings out all the flavour) Serve hot or cold and enjoy! For step by step photos, tips, suggestions and more cooking methods (oil free) see above post.
Notes
- Store: tofu will keep in the fridge in a sealed container for 3-5 days
Post was originally published March 2019 and has been updated. Recipe itself is unchanged.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Mains, Snacks & sides, Gluten free,
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
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Rita
The best ever tofu !
Verna
thank you so much! I appreciate your review!
Margo
Our favorite tofu recipe!
Verna
So nice to hear, thank you!
Gemma
Hi Verna, Thanks for the lovely recipes I am trying out the balsamic marinated tofu for my family to try but im unsure what to serve it with. I myself has rice and fresh seasonal vegetables but what would you suggest.
Verna
It's tasty with grilled or roasted veggies, peppers, cauliflower, mushrooms, etc,... in a wrap or sandwich with tomato, lettuce, vegan mayo,... add to salads. Hope this helps and you all enjoy the recipe!!
Steve Bahe
"Remove from heat and add the reserved marinade, stirring until evaporat ed" I'm not sure what this means? Stir until evaporated? . . . Does this just mean, give it another coating of marinade post-frying? Thanks
Verna
yes basically- The sauce will thicken and dissipate from residule heat. Just makes sure it all gets coated in marinade. Enjoy!
Piper
Simple tofu recipes are right up my alley so thank you for this it was delicious ! The best I’ve tried really!
Verna
Oh thank you so much!
Vivien Counsell Mitchell
I love this type of food - it meets all my requirements: nutritious, tasty, easy to make and delicious!
Verna
Thank you so much!
Abby
Looks so good! I don't have maple syrup, and I am on a budget, so do you think I could use regular pancake syrup?
Verna
Hi Abby! I'm sure that would work just fine. Enjoy! let me know how it turns out😊
Janet
Hi, I live in Australia, love the sound of this recipe but I have no idea what Braggs is, help!
Verna
Hi Janet! Braggs Liquid aminos is a seasoning sauce made from soy beans and purified water. So it is similar to soy sauce but not nearly as salty and it is gluten free, with no preservatives or artificial colouring. There is a link you can push on in the recipe card. Lite Tamari would work.? Have a great day!
Susanne Martin
I'd like to try this recipe but what is, Braggs?
Verna
Hi Susanne! Braggs Liquid aminos is a seasoning sauce made from soy beans and purified water. So it is similar to soy sauce but not nearly as salty and it is gluten free, with no preservatives or artificial colouring. There is a link you can push on in the recipe card. Lite Tamari would work.? Have a great day!
Midge
We cannot get enough of this recipe;so versatile
Verna
Thank you Midge! so happy you're enjoying the recipe. It is definitely tasty!
Charlotte
This is one of my favorite tofu recipes. I have made it quite a few times and I am looking forward to more tofu recipes!
Verna
Oh thats so nice to hear, glad you are enjoying the recipe Charlotte. Thanks so much for your comment! yes there will certainly be more tofu recipes coming in the future!