How do you marinate penetrate tofu?

If you want the flavor to get all the way inside, you have to get heat involved somehow, whether that's in the form of a dip in boiling salty water, or by pan-frying, baking, or my new favorite pre-marinade technique: Air-frying . Cold, raw tofu rejects marinades because of its high water content and low porosity.

What makes tofu chewy?

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze.

What not to mix with tofu?

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

How long does tofu need to marinate?

Cover with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for 12–48 hours . (The smaller the tofu pieces, the less total time you'll need to marinate.) The top of the tofu might poke out of the marinade, so give it a shake every so often to make sure each piece is thoroughly soaked.

What do you season tofu with?

Coat the tofu. Drizzle it with olive oil, and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle evenly with cornstarch and seasonings (I use garlic powder, salt and pepper ). Toss gently again until the tofu is evenly coated.

How to make tofu more tasty?

It tastes best when marinated, just not with oil . If you don't marinate it, it won't taste like anything. Tofu has a lot of water in it — even after you press it — and oil and water don't mix. Using oil in your marinade will actually create an oil slick on the tofu, meaning the flavors will never absorb.

How do you cook tofu so it's not rubbery?

MILLION DOLLAR TOFU TIP: Don't overcook your tofu! Overcooked tofu is rubbery and dry (not great). In my experience, newbies to eating tofu prefer a firmer tofu texture (well done) at first. To achieve that, cook the tofu for a few extra minutes or cut it into smaller tofu cubes which creates a firmer, meaty texture.

Why is tofu not absorbing marinade?

Don't use oil in a marinade Depending on the amount of moisture in the tofu, the oil can form a layer around the tofu, preventing it from absorbing flavours. For example, when grilling tofu, brush with oil only after it has been marinated. Due to its high water content, tofu takes up little oil during preparation.

Does tofu actually absorb marinade?

The tofu soaks up the marinade like a sponge , taking it from a bland soy blob to an incredibly flavorful protein source or snack. Marinated tofu is extremely versatile. Add it to a stir fry, salad, noodle bowl, sandwiches and so much more!

How do you get tofu to absorb sauce?

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break or 'scramble' the tofu into small pieces. Step 2: Once the tofu is scrambled, add some sauce or seasoning to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes stirring or until all the tofu has been evenly coated in the seasoning or sauce and it has started to absorb into the tofu.

Do you put cornstarch before or after marinating tofu?

Once the tofu is marinated , I use a cornstarch coating with some cumin powder in it. Not only does it create a super crispy result, but the seasoning further brings out the flavor of the tofu.

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (2024)

Published: Oct 22, 2021 · Modified: Feb 8, 2024 by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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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!

this RECIPE

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 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

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (2)

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 Sauceare 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.

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (3)

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.

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (4)

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

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (5)

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

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (6)

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.

Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce Recipe (7)

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.

💡 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 cookingextra-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.

Maple Soy Baked Tofu Steaks
Orange-Glazed Tofu with Roasted Veggies
Zucchini Lasagna (42g Protein)

👩🏽‍🍳 Made this recipe?

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