This tantalizing recipe for roasted tofu with ginger garlic marinade is a celebration of flavors. The infusion of fresh garlic and ginger with a hint of sesame oil transforms the humble tofu into a mouthwatering dish. The marinade, with its perfect balance of sweet and salty, seeps into the tofu, making it deliciously tender and flavorful. Added with a pinch of cayenne pepper, it gives a slight kick that will surely delight your palate. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy nutrients.
Photos of Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade Recipe
The main ingredient, tofu, is readily available in the supermarket, often found in the refrigerated produce section or with Asian foods. Tamari, a gluten-free version of soy sauce, is also typically found in the Asian aisle. If you can't find it, regular soy sauce will work just fine. Agave nectar, a sweetener derived from the agave plant, is usually found with other sweeteners; if unavailable, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute. Lastly, fresh ginger and garlic may not be staples in everyone's home, but they can usually be found in the produce section.
Ingredients for Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade
Tofu: A plant-based protein source made from soy milk. It's a versatile ingredient that takes on the flavors of the recipe.
Rice vinegar: A mild, slightly sweet vinegar that adds a touch of acidity.
Sesame oil: Gives an unmatchable, deep, nutty flavor.
Tamari: A wheat-free alternative to soy sauce, with a richer and less salty taste.
Agave nectar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
Fresh garlic: Gives a robust, aromatic flavor.
Scallions: Often used to garnish and add a fresh, mild onion-like flavor.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Coriander: Gives a sweet, citrusy flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
One reader, Cazzie Kay says:
This roasted tofu with ginger garlic marinade recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the tofu turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The marinade is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, making this dish an absolute delight for the taste buds. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Perfectly Roasted Tofu
How to prepare the tofu: Gently squeeze the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into 1-inch chunks.
How to make the marinade: Combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, tamari, agave nectar, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, scallions, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Whisk or shake until well combined.
How to marinate the tofu: Drizzle the marinade over the tofu and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.
How to roast the tofu: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the marinated tofu in an even layer, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip the tofu and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
How To Make Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade
A tasty dish that is sure to win your heart and those whom you serve it to! A delectable roasted tofu with a mouth-watering ginger garlic marinade!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15oztofuextra-firm, organic
- 1tbsprice vinegar
- 1tbspsesame oiltoasted
- 1tbsptamarireduced-sodium (or shoyu or soy sauce)
- 1tspAgave Nectar
- 1tbspfresh gingerminced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1tbspfresh garlicminced (or ½ tsp powdered garlic)
- ½cupscallionschopped
- ½tspcumin
- ½tspcoriander
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1pinchcayenne pepper
Instructions
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Open a package of extra-firm tofu, pour out the liquid, and gently squeeze the tofu between the palm of your hands to get rid of the excess water.
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Cut the tofu into 1-inch chunks. Place the tofu in a medium sized bowl.
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In a small bowl, combine all of the marinade ingredients and whisk them together, or screw on a lid and shake until well combined.
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Drizzle the marinade over the tofu and toss to coat evenly. Cover the tofu with a lid.
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Let the tofu marinate in the fridge, anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day. For best results, marinate overnight.
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Toss the marinated tofu onto the baking sheet and spread the tofu in an even layer.
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Bake for 15 minutes, flip the tofu so it bakes evenly, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 82.29kcal
- Fat: 5.34g
- Saturated Fat: 0.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.25g
- Carbohydrates: 3.73g
- Fiber: 1.10g
- Sugar: 1.54g
- Protein: 6.45g
- Sodium: 178.22mg
- Calcium: 154.81mg
- Potassium: 151.76mg
- Iron: 1.52mg
- Vitamin A: 6.96µg
- Vitamin C: 2.34mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Crispy Roasted Tofu
To ensure your tofu absorbs the maximum amount of flavor from the ginger garlic marinade, it's crucial to press the tofu properly before marinating. This involves removing as much water as possible from the tofu, which allows it to better soak up the marinade. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, placing it on a flat surface, and putting a heavy object on top, such as a cast iron skillet or a cutting board weighed down with cans. Leave it for at least 15-30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. This will result in a firmer, chewier tofu that's packed with flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade
Prepare the tofu: To save time, consider pressing the tofu in a tofu press to remove excess water more efficiently. This can speed up the marinating process and reduce the overall prep time.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the ginger garlic marinade and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can marinate tofu or other ingredients quickly for future meals, saving time on prep work.
High heat baking: Increase the oven temperature to 475 degrees F and bake the tofu for a shorter time, around 20-25 minutes, to achieve a crispy exterior while reducing overall cooking time.
Pre-cut ingredients: Use pre-cut tofu or pre-chopped ginger and garlic to minimize prep time and streamline the cooking process.
Efficient marinating: Instead of marinating the tofu in a bowl, consider using a resealable plastic bag. This method allows for better distribution of the marinade and requires less hands-on time.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade Recipe
tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh is a fermented soy product with a firmer texture and nuttier flavor, making it a great alternative for tofu in this recipe.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy flavor and acidity to rice vinegar, making it a suitable replacement in the marinade.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it a good substitute for sesame oil in the marinade.
tamari - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for tamari, as it provides a similar salty and savory flavor to the marinade.
agave nectar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to agave nectar, making it a suitable substitute in the marinade.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger in the marinade, providing a similar warm and spicy flavor.
fresh garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient way to add garlic flavor to the marinade.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor to the marinade.
cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for cumin, adding a warm and earthy flavor to the marinade.
coriander - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom can be used as a substitute for coriander, providing a similar citrusy and floral flavor to the marinade.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper, adding a mild heat and vibrant color to the marinade.
Presentation Tips for Ginger Garlic Roasted Tofu
Elevate the tofu: Gently arrange the roasted tofu on a sleek, minimalist plate, allowing each piece to stand out. The focus should be on the tofu's texture and the rich, golden-brown color achieved during roasting.
Garnish with scallions: Sprinkle finely chopped scallions over the tofu, adding a pop of vibrant green to the dish. The scallions not only provide a visual contrast but also bring a fresh, aromatic element to the plate.
Drizzle with sesame oil: Using a steady hand, drizzle a small amount of high-quality sesame oil in an artistic pattern around the tofu. The oil's glossy sheen will enhance the dish's visual appeal and add a touch of luxuriousness.
Accent with fresh ginger and garlic: Finely grate fresh ginger and garlic over the tofu, creating a delicate and aromatic garnish. The fragrance of the ginger and garlic will tantalize the senses and add a burst of flavor to each bite.
Sprinkle with toasted cumin and coriander: Lightly sprinkle toasted cumin and coriander over the tofu, adding a subtle earthy aroma and a hint of warmth to the dish. The spices should be delicately applied to complement the tofu's natural flavors.
Serve on a minimalist plate: Present the dish on a pristine, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the tofu and garnishes to take center stage. The simplicity of the plate will emphasize the artistry of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Tofu
- Tofu press: A tofu press is used to remove excess water from tofu, resulting in a firmer texture and better absorption of marinades.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to provide a flat, even surface for baking the tofu in the oven.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to prevent the tofu from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
- Medium sized bowl: A medium-sized bowl is used for marinating the tofu and tossing it with the marinade ingredients.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used to mix and whisk together the marinade ingredients before pouring it over the tofu.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the marinade ingredients in the small bowl.
- Knife: A knife is used to cut the tofu into 1-inch chunks.
- Oven: The oven is used to bake the marinated tofu until it is golden brown and crispy.
- Tongs: Tongs can be used to flip the tofu on the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Tofu
- To store leftover roasted tofu, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- If you want to freeze the tofu, place the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours, then transfer the frozen tofu to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. This method prevents the tofu from sticking together, making it easier to thaw and reheat individual portions.
- Frozen marinated tofu will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the desired amount of tofu to the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely thawed.
- To reheat refrigerated or thawed roasted tofu, place the pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the tofu in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For optimal texture and flavor, consume the reheated tofu promptly, as it may become slightly drier or chewier compared to freshly roasted tofu. If desired, you can refresh the flavors by tossing the reheated tofu with a small amount of the ginger garlic marinade before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Tofu
To reheat leftover roasted tofu in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the marinade.
For a quick and easy reheating option, use the microwave. Place the leftover tofu in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the tofu halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that microwaving may cause the tofu to lose some of its crispiness.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the roasted tofu and restore its crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the tofu in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover tofu and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method allows you to refresh the flavors of the ginger garlic marinade while reheating the tofu.
If you want to incorporate the leftover roasted tofu into a new dish, try adding it to a stir-fry, salad, or wrap. The tofu will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Roasted Tofu
The marinade for this roasted tofu with ginger garlic marinade recipe can also be used for other proteins such as chicken, fish, or vegetables. It's a versatile and flavorful marinade that can elevate various dishes.
Budget-Friendly Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade
The cost-effectiveness of this roasted tofu with ginger garlic marinade recipe is quite high. Tofu is an affordable source of protein, and the marinade ingredients are commonly found in most households, making it a budget-friendly option. The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it suitable for different tastes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Roasted Tofu Recipe Healthy?
The roasted tofu with ginger garlic marinade recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish that packs a nutritional punch. Here's why:
- Tofu: As a plant-based protein source, tofu is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making it a heart-healthy choice. It's also rich in calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients.
- Ginger and garlic: These aromatic ingredients not only add depth of flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Sesame oil: While high in calories, sesame oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
- Tamari: This gluten-free soy sauce alternative is lower in sodium than regular soy sauce, making it a healthier choice for those watching their salt intake.
- Spices: Cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper add flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar. They also provide various health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting metabolism.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sesame oil to lower the overall calorie count
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli, to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the roasted tofu over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a complete, well-rounded meal
- Experiment with different spice blends to keep things interesting and varied, ensuring you get a wide array of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds
Editor's Take on This Roasted Tofu Recipe
The recipe for roasted tofu with ginger garlic marinade is a delightful and flavorful dish. The combination of rice vinegar, sesame oil, tamari, and fresh ginger and garlic creates a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic flavors. The tofu, when marinated and roasted, develops a satisfying texture and absorbs the rich marinade, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. The addition of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Roasted Tofu with Ginger Garlic Marinade Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal. The use of tofu provides a great source of plant-based protein, while the marinade, featuring rice vinegar, sesame oil, and tamari, infuses the dish with a rich umami taste. The addition of fresh ginger and garlic brings a zesty and aromatic element, perfectly complementing the tofu. With the incorporation of scallions and a blend of spices including cumin and coriander, this recipe promises a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors.
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