Lemon Herb Tofu

Lemon Herb Tofu is a simple and tasty dish that will brighten your meals. It is made with extra firm tofu, which means it has a good texture and can hold its shape well when cooked. The bright flavor of lemon combined with the herbs makes it both refreshing and satisfying. This dish is great for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the taste of herbs and citrus.

Tofu is a versatile ingredient. It can soak up flavors and become a wonderful addition to many dishes. With this recipe, you can make a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy, whether they are vegans, vegetarians, or meat lovers.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Lemon Herb Tofu for many reasons. First, it is easy to make. Even if you are not a confident cook, you can follow the steps and enjoy a tasty dish. Second, the flavors are bright and fresh. The lemon and herbs create a wonderful taste that is perfect for any season.

Third, this recipe is healthy. Tofu is a great source of protein and is low in calories. The herbs and lemon juice add extra vitamins and minerals to your meal. You can feel good about eating this dish.

Finally, Lemon Herb Tofu is versatile. You can serve it in many ways. Whether you add it to a salad, serve it with rice, or enjoy it on its own, it will be delicious. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

HOW TO MAKE Lemon Herb Tofu

Making Lemon Herb Tofu is simple. You just need a few ingredients and follow some easy steps. This recipe will guide you through the process, so you can make this dish with confidence.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To prepare Lemon Herb Tofu, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. Here is a list of what you will need:

  • A cutting board for chopping
  • A sharp knife for cutting tofu
  • A small bowl for mixing the marinade
  • A whisk or fork to mix the marinade
  • An 8×8-inch baking dish or another shallow bowl to marinate the tofu
  • A large skillet for cooking the tofu
  • A slotted spoon for transferring the tofu

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Lemon Herb Tofu:

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon creamy Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

First, take the pressed and cubed tofu and pat it dry. Use a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the tofu absorb more flavor.

Step 2: Arrange the Tofu

In an 8×8-inch baking dish or shallow bowl, arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer. Make sure they do not overlap. Set the dish aside while you prepare the marinade.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well until all ingredients are combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like more lemon flavor, add a little more juice.

Step 4: Marinate the Tofu

Pour the marinade over the top of the tofu pieces. Use your hands or a spatula to gently turn the pieces so that they are coated with the marinade. Cover the dish and marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinate it overnight. Turning the tofu occasionally helps it absorb the marinade well.

Step 5: Cook the Tofu

Now it’s time to cook the tofu. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, use a slotted spoon to transfer the marinated tofu to the pan. Keep the tofu pieces in a single layer so they cook evenly.

Cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally. You want them to be golden brown on all sides. When they are nice and crispy, pour any remaining tofu marinade into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 6: Serve the Tofu

Your Lemon Herb Tofu is now ready! You can serve it hot, let it cool to room temperature, or enjoy it cold.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Lemon Herb Tofu

There are many ways to serve Lemon Herb Tofu. Here are some suggestions:

  • On a bed of fresh greens: Serve the tofu over a mix of leafy greens for a light salad. Add some tomatoes, cucumbers, or your favorite veggies for extra flavor.
  • With rice or quinoa: Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for a filling meal. Drizzle some extra lemon juice on top.
  • In a wrap: Use a tortilla or flatbread to make a delicious wrap filled with lemon herb tofu, lettuce, and any other toppings you like.
  • As a snack: Enjoy it cold as a healthy snack. It is great on its own or with a dipping sauce.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Lemon Herb Tofu

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. You can reheat the tofu in a skillet or microwave when you are ready to enjoy it again.

If you want to freeze it, make sure the tofu is fully cooked. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some extra ideas for serving Lemon Herb Tofu:

  • Top with avocado slices for creaminess.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for an extra citrus kick.
  • Sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, on top for added freshness.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

VARIATIONS

You can customize Lemon Herb Tofu to fit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:

  • Add a spicy kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy version.
  • Change the herbs: Use fresh herbs instead of dried if you have them on hand. Fresh basil, rosemary, or cilantro would work well.
  • Experiment with flavors: Try adding sesame oil, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar to the marinade for different flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular tofu instead of extra firm tofu?

Using regular tofu is possible, but extra firm tofu holds its shape better when cooked. Regular tofu may fall apart more easily.

2. What can I use instead of lemon juice?

If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or apple cider vinegar as an alternative. It will give a different flavor but still taste good.

3. How long should I marinate the tofu?

For the best flavor, marinate the tofu for at least 1 hour. If you can, marinating it overnight will give it even more flavor.

4. Can I grill the tofu instead of frying it?

Yes! You can grill the marinated tofu instead of frying it. Just cook it on a preheated grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it has nice grill marks.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Lemon Herb Tofu

Making Lemon Herb Tofu ahead of time can save you time during busy weeks. Here are some tips to prepare it in advance:

  • Marinade the tofu the night before and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Cook a large batch for meal prep. You can store cooked tofu in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
  • Consider freezing portions for later use. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick dinner.

With these simple steps and tips, you will enjoy making and serving Lemon Herb Tofu. It’s a flavorful and healthy option that is also versatile. Enjoy this delicious dish in many different ways!

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Lemon Herb Tofu

A simple and tasty dish featuring extra firm tofu marinated in lemon and herbs, perfect for any meal.

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon creamy Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the pressed and cubed tofu dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
  2. Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Pour the marinade over the tofu, gently turning it to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Transfer the marinated tofu to the pan in a single layer.
  6. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
  7. Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold.

Notes

Can be served on greens, with rice or quinoa, in a wrap, or as a snack. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sauteing
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: tofu, lemon, herb, easy recipe, vegan meal