Easy Tofu Marinades (3 ways, 10 minutes)
3 Easy Tofu Marinades in 10 minutes with 9 budget-friendly ingredients you already have in your pantry. Meal-prep these freezer-friendly recipes. Gluten-free and oil-free options.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time0 minutes mins
Marinate15 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings/1 block tofu
Calories: 122kcal
For the Maple Soy Marinade:
- 1 (14 to 16-ounce) block extra firm tofu pressed and drained, or super firm tofu
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon minced or grated ginger
For the Thai Red Curry Marinade:
- 1 (14 to 16-ounce) block extra firm tofu pressed and drained, or super firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste or Gochujang*
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon minced or grated ginger
- ¼ cup unsweetened nondairy milk or canned coconut milk, plus more to taste (add when heating the sauce)
For the Creamy Peanut Marinade:
- 1 (14 to 16-ounce) block extra firm tofu pressed and drained, or super firm tofu
- ¼ cup peanut butter or almond or cashew butter, or SunButter
- 1 ½ tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon minced or grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons warm water
For a thicker sauce (add to each sauce when reheating):
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
- To air fry the marinated tofu: Set the air fryer temperature to 400ºF. Cook the tofu for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes. Remove once the tofu is the desired crispiness and color.
- To bake the marinated tofu: Set the oven temperature to 425ºF. Cook the tofu for 15 minutes, flipping the pieces over after 10 minutes. Remove once the tofu is the desired crispiness and color.
- To pan fry the tofu: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tofu for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- For grilling: cook until the desired crispiness and color.
- Storage: Refrigerate the marinated tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze fr up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg