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Fork piercing a piece of Asian Style Garlic Tofu from bowl with rice

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
Cook Time:15 minutes
Marinating Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
CourseMain Dish
CuisineAsian-Inspired, Gluten-Free Option, Vegan
Servings3 large bowls

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • 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).

Notes

*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.

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

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