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Smoky Pan-Fried Tofu
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Author:
The Spice & Tea Exchange
Servings
4-5 servings
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
This recipe delivers all kinds of authentic barbeque vibes - without the meat, smoke, or grill. Pan-fried tofu has a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior - and is full of savory, meaty flavor thanks to an easy marinade featuring Lapsang Souchong (smoked black tea), Sweet Onion Sugar, and Smoked BBQ Rub. Serve alongside a quick and delicious pickle barbeque glaze, this is a perfect "go-to" recipe for a plant-based weeknight dinner. Enjoy as a main dish or incorporate into a sandwich.
Ingredients
-
3 Tbsp Lapsang Souchong Black Tea
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1 Tbsp Sweet Onion Sugar
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2 tsp Smoked BBQ Rub Spice Blend
- 16 oz water at 200°F
- 1 block extra firm tofu (14 to 16 oz)
-
1 tsp Hickory Smoked Sea Salt
- 1 to 2 Tbsp canola or olive oil
- ½ cup pickle juice
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2 Tbsp Sweet Onion Sugar
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1 Tbsp Smoked BBQ Rub Spice Blend
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Marinade & Tofu
Glaze
Directions
Prepare Marinade:
- Place tea, sugar, and spice blend in a heat-proof, flat-bottomed dish (roughly 1-quart capacity). Add hot water and stir until sugar has dissolved; set aside.
- Slice tofu into ¾-inch planks and add to the liquid. If needed, add more water to ensure the tofu is submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight.
Prepare Glaze:
- To a small nonstick pan add pickle juice, sugar, spice blend, and vinegar. On medium-low heat, slowly cook the mixture while stirring occasionally. Continue cooking at a gentle simmer to slightly reduce the liquid and thicken consistency.
- To test: Dip a spoon in the glaze then immediately trace a line across the back of the spoon with your fingertip. If the line remains visible, the glaze is thick enough; if it does not, continue cooking a bit longer, then test again.
- Remove from heat and keep warm.
Pan-Fry Tofu:
- Remove tofu from marinade and pat dry. Divide the 1 teaspoon of smoked sea salt among the tofu planks to season both sides equally. To a nonstick pan (or griddle) add 1 Tablespoon of oil, then tofu; arrange planks in a single layer.
- Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed, adding a bit more oil if the pan gets dry. Heat to medium-high; pan-fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the surface is golden brown and the edges slightly crispy. Remove from pan and rest briefly on a towel to absorb excess oil. Serve with pickle barbeque glaze.