Asian-Style Garlic Tofu
Tofu marinated in a garlic sauce that's packed with savory flavor! Easy to make and perfect with a side of rice & steamed veggies.
AuthorKaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Prep Time:15 minutes mins
Cook Time:15 minutes mins
Marinating Time:30 minutes mins
Total Time:1 hour hr
CourseMain Dish
CuisineAsian-Inspired, Gluten-Free Option, Vegan
Servings3 large bowls
- 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
- 4 green onions
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
- Optional for serving: cooked brown rice, quinoa, noodles, sesame seeds for topping
For the garlic sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (see notes for gluten-free)
- 2 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- Optional: freshly grated ginger
Remove excess moisture from the tofu by gently pressing it between towels. Then cut it into bite-sized cubes. (I cut mine about 3/4-inch.) Set aside.
Make the sauce: Mince garlic. Then in a shallow pan (I use an 8"x8" glass baking dish) add the three ingredients for the garlic sauce. Stir to combine.
Add tofu cubes to the sauce and gently toss until thoroughly coated. (*Optional: if you have time, cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or a few hours.)
When ready, cook the tofu: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
Once oil is hot, carefully add the marinated tofu (with any remaining sauce). Spread out the cubes in a single layer. Simmer and cook without stirring for 5-7 minutes or until lightly seared on one side. Flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice green onions and add to the pan during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. (Sometimes I add a little more hoisin or tamari if the pan becomes dry. The sauce should almost completely absorb into the tofu however.)
Great served warm over brown rice (and garnished with sesame seeds or more green onions if desired).
*Marinating: This is optional but recommended. If you don't have time to marinate, the flavors won't be quite as bold, but it will still taste great.
For gluten-free: Use tamari and a gluten-free hoisin sauce. (I use the San-J brand or Wok Mei for a GF hoisin sauce.)
Nutrition: Estimated nutritional content does not include brown rice or sesame seed garnish.
Calories: 180 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 1 mg | Potassium: 309 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 161 IU | Vitamin C: 4 mg | Calcium: 66 mg | Iron: 2 mg