Chipotle tofu steaks pack in plant-based protein, heart healthy fats, and tons of flavor. A quick, easy & budget-friendly meat-substitute. Oil-free.
These 'steaks' are a hearty meat alternative. They're perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or as a protein main for your Thanksgiving feast.
This recipe for Chipotle Tofu Steaks was inspired by my Maple Soy Baked Tofu Steaks on this site, and pairs well with this Healthy Sweet Potato Pasta with Miso for a delicious holiday meal.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
For the tofu & chipotle sauce:
- 1 (14-ounce) packet extra-firm tofu, pressed
- ½ (7-ounce) can chipotle in adobo sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
See recipe card for quantities.
For the sweet & spicy marinade:
- ½ (7-ounce) can chipotle in adobo sauce
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- ¼ cup maple syrup
See recipe card for quantities.
📖 Instructions
To make the tofu steaks, use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern into the tofu. This allows for the marinade and sauce to get into the crevices, adding even more flavor. (See recipe video below.)
Blend the sweet & spicy marinade using an immersion blender or regular blender.
Meanwhile, make the chipotle sauce. Blend the ingredients using an immersion blender or regular blender.
Hint: You can use a nonstick rimmed baking sheet in place of the casserole dish as desired.
🌶 Substitutions
- Chipotle in adobo - Use an equal amount of tomato passata, or puréed or canned tomatoes, for the chipotle sauce and marinade. Add smoked paprika to taste.
- Tofu - use tempeh instead to change things up
🧅 Variations
- Spicy - add hot sauce or sriracha to the chipotle sauce to taste
- Deluxe - top your tofu steaks with caramelized onions
- Vegan 'steak' & potatoes - add a side of Crispy Roasted Potato Bites.
🔪 Equipment
Use a sharp knife to score the tofu for clean incisions.
Use a pastry brush to spread the marinade onto the tofu 'steaks' and get it into the cracks.
⏱ Storage
Refrigerate any remaining chipotle sauce or tofu steaks in two separate air-tight containers for up to 3 days.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Chipotle Tofu Steaks
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu pressed
For the sweet & spicy marinade:
- 3 ½ ounces chipotle in adobo sauce (½ 7-ounce can)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- ¼ cup maple syrup
For the chipotle sauce:
- 3 ½ ounces chipotle in adobo sauce (½ 7-ounce can)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut the tofu: To make the tofu ‘steaks’, turn the block of tofu on its side, with the longer side face up. Slice lengthwise to make 3 large rectangles. Place the rectangles onto the cutting board, with the larger side face down. Use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern on the top of the three rectangles. Take care not to cut too far down or the steaks will fall apart. Slice each scored rectangle in half lengthwise through the middle to make 6 long, even rectangles. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Make the Marinade: Transfer 2 chipotle chilis plus 1 ½ tablespoons adobo sauce to a blender. Add the garlic, soy sauce and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the 'steaks': Spread about one fourth of the marinade along the bottom of a large casserole dish. Placed the tofu steaks into the dish, crosshatched side face up. Use a pastry brush to coat the steaks generously with the marinade. Gently flip the steaks over and rub them in the marinade at the bottom of the dish. Brush with more marinade until they are well coated, getting it into the cracks.
- Bake the steaks for 10 minutes. Brush generously with the marinade and gently flip them over. Brush the other side with more marinade. Bake for 5 minutes more before brushing with more marinade. Bake for about another 5 minutes, or until darkened and slightly crispy.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: Transfer 3 chipotle chilis plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce to a blender. Add the maple syrup, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth. Heat the sauce over low heat in a small saucepan until warmed through.
- For serving: Drizzle the desired amount of sauce on the tofu steaks for serving.
Notes
- Scoring the tofu rectangles (crosshatching) is optional, but it makes them more flavorful.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
Catherine
The chipotle flavors make this so tasty. New favorite tofu recipe!
Nisha Melvani
Chipotle is the best! I add it to a lot of my dishes for an extra kick. Thanks for commenting.