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Honey mustard tofu, barbecue tofu, buffalo tofu, and teriyaki tofu marinating in bags.

Easy Tofu Marinade (4 Ways!)

Justine Drosdovech
A tofu marinade is the best way to ensure a flavor-packed recipe every time! Find 4 different seasoning options along with helpful tips for preventing bland and boring tofu here!
5 from 83 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main, Snack
Cuisine American, Asian, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Servings 4 tofu blocks
Calories 541 kcal

Equipment

  • Freezer bags
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet

Ingredients
 

US Customary - Metric

Teriyaki

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil
  • ¼ cup low-sodium tamari
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

Barbecue

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Buffalo

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup Frank’s hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Honey mustard

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 5 tablespoons Dijon mustard, smooth not grainy
  • 3 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

Tofu

  • Drain the tofu, then wrap it in a towel and press it for 15-20 minutes (a cast-iron skillet works best for this). Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-size cubes.

Marinade

  • To a freezer bag, add the ingredients of whichever marinade you choose to use. Add the tofu cubes, close the bag, then shake to fully coat the tofu.
  • Leave it to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.

Cook

  • Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium. Transfer the tofu cubes from the freezer bag, and cook them in a single layer, turning every 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides.
  • Mix the marinade ingredients with a cornstarch slurry (½ tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water).
  • Once the tofu is cooked, pour in the cornstarch/marinade mixture and stir to combine. Serve while hot with rice, vegetables, noodles, salad, etc. Happy eating!

Notes

  • Don't forget the acid: This is crucial to enhance the flavors and create the tender texture we're looking to achieve.
  • Practice patience: The longer you let your tofu marinate, the better it will taste!
  • Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the ingredients or add extra spices to suit your preferences.
  • Make a slurry: A mixture of cornstarch and water transforms a simple marinade into a thick and satisfying sauce that's perfect for topping noodles, rice, and more!
  • Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tofu block | Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 48.5g | Protein: 32.5g | Fat: 24.3g | Saturated Fat: 3.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11.6g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2641.5mg | Potassium: 826.1mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36.1g | Vitamin A: 181.1IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 171.7mg | Iron: 5.9mg
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