This lemon garlic tofu recipe is a delightful twist on a classic salmon dish, offering a plant-based alternative that's both flavorful and satisfying. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering marinade that perfectly complements the crispy tofu cubes.
If you're not familiar with extra firm tofu, it's a versatile plant-based protein that holds its shape well when cooked. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets, often near other soy products. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before using it in this recipe.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Tofu Recipe
Extra firm tofu: A plant-based protein that holds its shape well when cooked. Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the tofu become crispy. Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor. Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty tang. Lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor with a concentrated citrus aroma. Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. Soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing tofu, ensure it is thoroughly pressed to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture when baked. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb the marinade more effectively and result in a better overall dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Salmon - Substitute with extra firm tofu: Tofu has a neutral flavor and firm texture that can absorb marinades well, making it a great plant-based alternative to salmon.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for cooking and enhancing the dish's richness.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can add a different but pleasant depth to the dish.
Lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.
Lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest provides a slightly sweeter citrus note, which can add a unique twist to the dish.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can add a subtle heat without overpowering the other ingredients.
Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the tofu to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its texture and prevents condensation from making it soggy.
Transfer the cooled tofu into an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a piece of parchment paper between them to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The lemon garlic tofu will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
For freezing, place the cooled tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other.
Freeze the tofu cubes for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored in a container.
Once frozen, transfer the tofu cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When ready to use, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
For a quick reheat, you can also use a microwave. Place the tofu on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the tofu loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tofu is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to regain some crispiness.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the leftover tofu in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until heated through and crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover tofu on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
- Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the tofu is warmed through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and warmed through.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the leftover tofu in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the tofu at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C) to achieve a golden and crispy texture.
Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce, and to coat the tofu cubes evenly.
Whisk: Used to mix the ingredients for the marinade thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the tofu cubes in a single layer for even baking.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet to prevent the tofu from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Knife: Used to press and cube the extra firm tofu into uniform pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the tofu into cubes.
Spatula: Used to flip the tofu cubes halfway through the baking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce accurately.
Garlic press: Optional, but can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Press tofu ahead: Press the tofu in advance to remove excess water, ensuring it absorbs the marinade quickly.
Pre-make marinade: Prepare the marinade the night before and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store extra tofu in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Minced garlic: Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save chopping time.
Lemon Garlic Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Extra Firm Tofu pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce.
- Add the cubed tofu to the bowl and gently toss to coat.
- Spread the tofu cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tofu is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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