This Balsamic Marinated Tofu is the best marinated tofu ever! It's a quick and easy marinade and transforms tofu into little bites of deliciousness! Perfect in salads, wraps, or Buddha bowls. Protein rich, Healthy and gluten free.
Ok so I thought it was time to share my marinated tofu recipe since I eat it all the time!! Lol! It is sweet, tangy, garlicky and addicting!
My recipe is fried not baked but don’t worry it’s just as healthy and I find frying the tofu is so much faster and you get the same results or even better!
The trick is to use a really good quality non stick skillet, which also gives you the option of not using oil.
I have a few tofu marinades I love but this one is my fav! Honestly when I make it I think only half of the garlic sticky goodness makes it out of the pan and the other half- snack time! Haha.
There is an Eatery I go to quite often with my daughters. It is actually a Co-op grocery store with and amazing buffet and the plant based food is top notch!
The salad bar is my fav and I always load up on their marinated tofu, (among other things?) It is So flipping good! - Long story short. I Had to make my own adaption. Oh yah!
How to make Balsamic Marinated Tofu:
First step is to press the tofu. (Refer to the photo below for pressing tofu, and full instructions in recipe card at the end of post) While the tofu is pressing whisk together your marinade and set aside.
Now slice the tofu lengthwise into two slabs and then cut those slabs into strips and then into 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.
After 30 minutes strain the tofu and reserve the marinade.
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.
Remove from heat and add the reserved marinade, stirring until evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot or cold and enjoy in your favourite salad, Buddha bowl or wrap! For ingredient amounts and full instructions see recipe card below.
Ok let's make the Best & Easiest Marinated Tofu ever! You'll love it, it's:
slightly sweet
tangy
garlicy
addicting
healthy
packed with protein
gluten free
delicious
Enjoy guys! Happy day to you? feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. I would love to hear from you.
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Here's a few more Tofu Recipes for you to enjoy:
Tex Mex Vegan Taco Meat
Breakfast burritos (Tofu & Potatoes)
Hearty Hamburger soup
Tofu Scrambled Eggs
Balsamic Marinated Tofu (Best & Easiest Marinated Tofu!)
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This Balsamic Marinated Tofu is the best marinated tofu ever! It's a quick and easy marinade and transforms tofu into little bites of deliciousness! Perfect in salads, wraps, or Buddha bowls. Protein rich, Healthy and gluten free.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Braggs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 4-5 cloves garlic, chopped small ( approximately 3 tablespoons)
- 1 block (350 grams) extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First step is to 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 (Refer to the photo above if necessary). Press for 15 minutes.
- While the tofu is pressing in a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, Italian spice and Braggs and set aside.
- Now slice the tofu lengthwise into two slabs and then cut those slabs into strips and then into 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.
- Heat up a large non stick skillet on medium high heat with the oil (or omit for oil free). 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.
- Remove from heat and add the reserved marinade, stirring until evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Serve hot or cold and enjoy!
Notes
- I recommend seasoning with salt and pepper at the end. Brings out all the flavours!
- Category: Snacks & sides, Gluten free,
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: balsamic marinated tofu, marinated tofu, garlic, balsamic vinegar, best, easy, tofu, healthy, gluten free, recipe, tofu marinade,
"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
yes basically- The sauce will thicken and dissipate from residule heat. Just makes sure it all gets coated in marinade. Enjoy!
Simple tofu recipes are right up my alley so thank you for this it was delicious ! The best I’ve tried really!
★★★★★
Oh thank you so much!
I love this type of food - it meets all my requirements: nutritious, tasty, easy to make and delicious!
★★★★★
Thank you so much!
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?
Hi Abby! I'm sure that would work just fine. Enjoy! let me know how it turns out😊
Hi, I live in Australia, love the sound of this recipe but I have no idea what Braggs is, help!
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!
I'd like to try this recipe but what is, Braggs?
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!
We cannot get enough of this recipe;so versatile
★★★★★
Thank you Midge! so happy you're enjoying the recipe. It is definitely tasty!
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!
★★★★★
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!