Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Name: Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 (14 to 16-ounce) packets super firm tofu (or extra firm tofu (see note)); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce, or tamari); 5 to 6 chipotle peppers (in adobo sauce (canned)); 6 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 2 tablespoons water; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice ((about 2 small limes)); ¼ cup tahini ((plus 1/2 cup chipotle marinade from above))

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These Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce are incredibly flavorful and packed with plant-based protein. Marinate the chipotle tofu ahead of time for a quick, easy & budget-friendly lunch or dinner. This recipe is mayo-free, healthy, and easy!

Baja bowl with rice, avocado, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and tofu steak with Baja sauce.

These tofu steaks are a hearty and healthful meat alternative. They're perfect for adding more plant-based protein to any meal, including this Baja bowl recipe. I meal prep these ahead of time to add more protein to my bowls throughout the week.

The chipotle sauce is out of this world! You won't believe it's healthy and vegan! Plus, it's made without mayo and gluten-free. Use it in all your veggie bowls throughout the week! It's very versatile.

Did you know that those who eat spicy foods regularly tend to live longer? Evidence-based studies have found a significant reduction in premature death in those who eat spicy food. Plus, adding spice to your meal increases your taste sensitivity for salt so you don't need as much to make a dish taste good. This may reduce salt intake and therefore blood pressure.

These Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce were inspired by my Maple Soy Baked Tofu Steaks and pair well with this easy and healthy Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing recipe.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🌶 Substitutions
📖 How to Make Marinated Tofu Steaks
💡 Expert Tips
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🍽 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made this recipe?
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Maple syrup, tahini, oregano, coconut aminos, lime, cumin,garlic,red wine vinegar, and chipotles in adobo sauce.

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Red wine vinegar
Maple syrup
Coconut aminos or soy sauce
Fresh lime juice
Garlic
Dried oregano
Ground cumin
Lime
Tahini

See the recipe card for quantities.

🌶 Substitutions

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce are widely available, inexpensive, and take this dish to the next level. However, you can use an equal amount of tomato passata, or puréed or canned tomatoes for the chipotle sauce and marinade, and add smoked paprika to taste.
Red wine vinegar - use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead
Coconut aminos - substitute with tamari or soy sauce
Tofu - use tempeh instead to change things up
Baja Bowl - pair the chipotle tofu with this Baja Bowl recipe

📖 How to Make Marinated Tofu Steaks

This is an overview. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full instructions and measurements.

Optional: Freeze the block of tofu beforehand for at least 24 hours. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Step 1. Turn the block of tofu on its side, with the longer side facing up. Slice lengthwise to make 2 large rectangles. Use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern into the rectangles. This allows for the marinade and sauce to get into the crevices, adding even more flavor.

Chipotle peppers, garlic, maple syrup, and oregano in the canister of a chopper for blending.

Step 2. Blend the vinegar, coconut aminos, chipotle peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, and maple syrup until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining.

Red sauce with minced garlic in a glass bowl with a gold spoon next to a halved lime.

Step 3. Add the water and the lime juice. Reserve one-half cup of the marinade for the chipotle sauce.

Step 4. Use the remaining marinade to marinate the tofu. Spread some of the marinade along the bottom of a large container. Placed the tofu steaks on top, crosshatched side face up. Pour some of the marinade on top. Brush the crosshatched tofu generously with the marinade. Make sure to get it into the cracks. Set aside for at least 20 minutes or overnight.

Two baked tofu steaks on a white baking dish.

Step 5. Bake the chipotle tofu steaks at 400ºF for 10 minutes before flipping them over. Bake for about 10 minutes more, or until slightly crispy.

Red chipotle sauce with minced garlic next to a white bowl of tahini.

Step 6. Meanwhile, make the chipotle sauce. Combine the reserved one-half cup marinade with the tahini. Mix until a smooth sauce forms.

💡 Expert Tips

Optional for maximum flavor: Freeze your tofu for at least 24 hours and then thaw it in the refrigerator. Marinate the tofu overnight.
If freezing the tofu beforehand, freeze it in the packet. Then thaw in the refrigerator. Open the packet, drain, and give the tofu a quick press. Wrap the block between layers of paper towel or dish towel and lay it flat on the counter. Press down with your hands gently to remove excess water.
If you are not freezing it, press your tofu before using it in this recipe.
Scoring the tofu rectangles (crosshatching) is optional, but it makes them more flavorful.
For less spicy: Reduce the number of chipotle peppers. Add them one by one to taste.
Use a pastry brush to spread the marinade onto the tofu 'steaks' and get it into the cracks.
Storage: Refrigerate any remaining chipotle tofu in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 5 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What does tofu taste like?

Unseasoned tofu tastes quite bland. This lack of flavor, and its spongy texture, means tofu easily absorbs the flavors of seasonings and marinades. This is why it is an excellent vegan meat substitute.

What is tofu steak made of?

Tofu steak describes cooking extra-firm tofu just like you would a large cut of meat. It is usually a large piece of tofu that you cook all at once. It is called tofu steak because it is large enough to resemble beef or pork steak.

Why should I freeze tofu?

Freezing tofu extends its shelf life, as well as giving it a 'meaty' texture. Thawed tofu absorbs marinades and spices even better than pressed tofu.
To freeze tofu, place it in the freezer in its original packaging for at least 24 hours. Transfer the frozen tofu to the refrigerator for about 12 hours, or until it is completely thawed before making the recipe.