Garlic Butter Tofu
Ingredients
- 14 ozblock of extra firm or super firm tofu
- 3 tbspolive oil
divided
- 3 tbspbalsamic vinegar
- 2 tbspwater
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tsponion powder
- ½ tsppaprika
- ½ tspsalt
- pepper to taste
- 3 tbspbutter
i used unsalted
- ½ cveggie broth
- 5 clovesfinely minced garlic
- ½ tspfine sea salt
Directions
- 1
Start by prepping the tofu by cutting it into 3 even pieces longways (see video for reference). If you’d like to cut it into chicken like pieces then lay each piece flat and cut off the top right and bottom left corners so that they’re rounded and roughly resemble a piece of chicken breast. Again, you can watch my video for reference. I like to trim off tiny bits of the rough edges to round the edges. Slice diagonal cuts going about ¼ of an inch deep on both sides.
- 2
Make the marinade by whisking together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the balsamic vinegar, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- 3
Once ready to cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add in the tofu in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Watch it so that it doesn’t burn but gets nicely browned around the edges. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 4
Add the butter and veggie broth to the pan. As the butter melts, scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze. Reduce heat to low. Add the garlic and salt and saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- 5
Return the tofu to the pan. Flip once or twice to coat in the butter sauce. If needed, heat for 1-2 minutes, until warm. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
- 6
Serve the tofu with the pan juices spooned over it. I like to brush a bit more of the marinade over top as well. ENJOY!
Garlic Butter Tofu
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About this Recipe
Craving a plant-based main course that feels effortlessly gourmet and is surprisingly simple to master? This Garlic Butter Tofu recipe is about to become your new secret weapon for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
This Garlic Butter Tofu lives up to its name, transforming humble tofu into a truly craveable dish. The secret lies in the bold combination of rich butter and fragrant garlic, creating an irresistible savory coating. It's a testament to how easily a few key ingredients can elevate a meal, making it both approachable for the home cook and impressive enough for guests.
You'll be treated to tender pieces of extra firm or super firm tofu, deeply flavored by the aromatic garlic and buttery sauce, complemented by a hint of tang from balsamic vinegar. The seasoning blend, including garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, creates a well-rounded savory profile that seeps into every bite. Each serving offers a satisfying 272 calories, making it a flavorful yet mindful choice that truly earns its title as a new favorite.
This versatile dish welcomes customization. To make this Garlic Butter Tofu fully vegan, simply swap out the dairy butter for your favorite plant-based butter alternative. For a different flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the rich sauce. This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for a “chicken tofu” substitute in many dishes, or as a standalone “vegan chicken” centerpiece.
Perfect for a speedy yet elegant dinner, this dish shines brightly when served alongside fluffy rice, steamed greens, or a vibrant quinoa salad. Its rich flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser.