Description
This Tofu Steak recipe delivers a delicious smoky flavor with a perfectly charred exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The marinade combines soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, tomato paste, and garlic powder to infuse the tofu with rich umami and subtle sweetness. Pan-fried to golden perfection, these tofu steaks are ideal for a quick, nutritious meal that pairs wonderfully with vegan gravy, crusted potatoes, or your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Marinade
- 9oz / 250g extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided: 2 teaspoons for marinade, 1 tablespoon for cooking)
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or place the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, then set a heavy object like a cookbook or pot on top.
- Prepare the Marinade: While pressing the tofu, combine soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, tomato paste, garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a container or deep bowl. Whisk well to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Slice and Score the Tofu: Cut the tofu into square or rectangular steaks about 1 inch (2.5cm) thick. Carefully score diagonal slits across each side of the tofu without cutting all the way through, creating a crisscross pattern to help absorb the marinade.
- Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu steaks in the marinade, making sure all sides are coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally up to an hour, to enhance flavor penetration.
- Heat the Pan and Cook: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place tofu steaks in the hot pan without overcrowding. Allow them to cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a nice char. Brush the tops with leftover marinade.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Once the bottom side is nicely browned, gently flip the tofu steaks and cook the other side for a couple of minutes, brushing with any remaining marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove the tofu steaks from the pan and serve immediately. Pair them with vegan gravy, crusted potatoes, or your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential to remove moisture and improve texture for frying.
- Adjust marinating time depending on how intense you want the flavor; longer is better.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to control salt levels.
- Scoring tofu helps marinade soak deeper but avoid cutting too deep to maintain steak structure.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a good sear without burning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: Tofu steak, smoky tofu, vegan steak, pan fried tofu, easy vegan dinner, smoky marinade, tofu recipe
