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    Home » Tofu Recipes

    Balsamic Tofu

    Lindsay Moe

    34438 shares
    balsamic tofu pinterest image

    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!

    This post contains affiliate links. As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying sales.

    a bowl of balsamic tofu with a napkin, bread, and herbs
    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    How to Press Tofu without a Press

    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!

    a bowl of tofu

    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.

    a bowl of balsamic tofu with a napkin, bread, and herbs

    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
    a bowl of balsamic tofu with a spoon in it

    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!

    a bowl of tofu

    Recipe

    a bowl of balsamic tofu with a napkin, bread, and herbs

    Easy Balsamic Tofu

    Tofu marinated in an easy balsamic marinade, then quickly pan fried until crisp.
    4.10 from 52 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 7 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Pressing and Marinating: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 152kcal
    Author: Lindsay Moe

    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

    While this tofu only takes 5-7 minutes to cook, you’ll want to plan ahead 1-3 hours to have enough time to press and marinate the tofu. To save time, place tofu in a press and put it in the refrigerator while you’re at work, then proceed with the recipe once you get home.

     

    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

    Nutrition

    Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 143mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theliveinkitchen or tag #theliveinkitchen!

    More Tofu Recipes

    • Vegan tofu bowl on a checked napkin next to lemons.
      Vegan Tofu Bowl
    • Crispy tofu in a white square bowl garnished with parsley.
      Air Fryer Tofu
    • Tofu in a tofu press in a shallow bowl.
      How to Press Tofu With a Tofu Press
    • scrambled tofu eggs on a white plate with home fries and avocado slices
      Scrambled Tofu

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Barbara says

      July 21, 2020 at 11:55 pm

      5 stars
      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????

      Reply
    2. Nancy says

      October 27, 2020 at 6:33 pm

      What do you suggest to serve this tofu with ?

      Reply
      • Lindsay Moe says

        October 28, 2020 at 8:53 am

        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!

        Reply
    3. Alli says

      April 17, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      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! 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lindsay! I've been creating easily customizable vegetarian recipes since 2011. I love the outdoors, brownies, and brand new books. I live and work in La Crosse, Wisconsin and founded Wild Flour Media to expand on my love for food photography and videography to my community and beyond.

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    34438 shares