This easy balsamic tofu recipe is perfect served with grilled vegetables, on a sandwich, or tossed in a salad! Make a simple marinade, give it a quick toss in the skillet, and you’ve got a gluten free, vegan protein that is as versatile as it is delicious!
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Balsamic tofu is maybe the most versatile tofu recipe I’ve tried yet.
I’ll be sharing my favorite way to use this meatless protein in my next post, but in the meantime, what can your belly imagine? Sandwiches dripping with pesto and mozzarella cheese? Fresh summer salads with balsamic vinaigrette? Skewered with veggies on the grill?
How to prepare tofu
The first thing you want to do is press your tofu. You can use a (affiliate link) tofu press or check out how I press tofu without a press. This will take 10-30 minutes. It’s pretty hands-off, but be sure to plan ahead!
This balsamic tofu marinade is made with:
- balsamic vinegar
- soy sauce
- maple syrup
- Italian seasoning
- garlic
- salt + pepper
As with all my recipes, please make sure you’re using real maple syrup. Fake sugar syrup just won’t cut it in recipes!
You’ll want to let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes for full flavor. When you squeeze the water out of tofu, you’ll then replace it with the marinade – that’s what makes it taste great! Again, this is mostly hands-off, just plan ahead.
Tips for customizing
- Let marinate for up to 2 hours (refrigerated) to increase the flavor
- Make your own Italian seasoning by combining equal parts oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and marjoram
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade to make it spicy
- If you don’t have garlic on hand use ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- To make the tofu extra firm, bake at 400ºF for 30-60 minutes depending on how small you cut the cubes
- Toss into a vegan quinoa salad
Looking for more tofu recipes?
- The Best Tofu Recipe
- The Best Crispy Tofu
- Pan Fried Peanut Tofu
- Cajun Tofu
- Vegan Ham
- Scrambled Tofu
- Cajun Tofu Wraps
- Creamy Fettuccine with Cajun Tofu
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Easy Balsamic Tofu
Ingredients
- 14 ounces tofu, pressed and cut into 1 inch cubes
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, or other neutral tasting oil
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the tofu and toss gently to coat. Arrange in a single layer and allow to marinate, turning once, for 30-60 minutes.
- Heat grapeseed oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the tofu from the marinade and transfer to the hot pan. Cook 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan or carefully turning the tofu cubes so they get brown and crisp on all sides.
- Add the remaining marinade to the pan and allow to cook, stirring, just until it has evaporated. Remove from the heat.
- Serve balsamic tofu however you can imagine such as over pasta, in sandwiches, or as a topping to salads.
Notes
Ideas for customizing your balsamic tofu recipe:
- Let marinate for up to 2 hours to increase the flavor
- Make your own Italian seasoning by combining equal parts oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and marjoram
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade to make it spicy
- If you don’t have garlic on hand use ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- To make the tofu extra firm, bake at 400ºF for 30-60 minutes depending on how small you cut the cubes
Barbara says
This sounds amazing! I have an array of flavored balsalmic vinegars that you have now inspired me to experiment with.(californiabasalmic.com is the best!)
I’ve only recently discovered just how good freshly made crispy tofu is. Previously, I ate tofu because of it’s good nutritional qualities rather than a preference but now I’m a convert to tofu scramble “eggs” and tofu “egg” salad sandwiches. I am curious about air frying it and wonder if you have any advice????
Nancy says
What do you suggest to serve this tofu with ?
Lindsay Moe says
I actually made it last night with a Mediterranean couscous. I also have a recipe on the site for a quinoa salad that uses this, or I would add it to pasta or sandwiches!
Alli says
So good! I added red pepper flakes and also decided to put some cherry tomatoes in the marinade for a bit before cooking with the tofu. I will definitely make this again! 🙂