If you’ve wondered what the secret is to making tofu taste good, this is it! My Tofu Marinade is perfect for grilling, baking, and stir-fries. This easy recipe will add a punch of flavour to all of your favourite meals!
In a small bowl mix up all of the marinade ingredients. If you taste it don't be alarmed at how strong it is. Once it's on the tofu and cooked it's all ok, I promise!
Pour the marinade over the tofu (or tempeh, seitan, vegetables) and make sure it is coated well. I find it best to use one clean hand to do this. When using tongs or other implements you end up breaking little pieces of tofu off no matter how careful you are.
Leave to marinade. It's tasty enough to cook immediately if you are in a hurry, or you can leave it to seep in for anything from 30 minutes to 3 days. Just be sure to store in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator if you are leaving it for more than an hour.
Cook as per your needs, saving any leftover marinade to brush on halfway through the cooking time and again before serving. You can pan fry, bake or grill. If baking be sure to line the baking tray with parchment paper or a Silpat to stop any sticking.
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Notes
For a recipe that uses this marinade recipe see my Baked Tofu. Gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free use gluten-free soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari. Success Tips
Use one clean hand to move the tofu around in the marinade so each piece is covered. You run the risk of breaking off small pieces when handling the tofu with tongs or another tool.
Line a metal baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper before baking tofu with a marinade. This will help prevent the glaze from burning and the tofu from sticking.
Yes, the marinade has a strong flavour, but no, you don’t have to be concerned! As the marinade bakes into the tofu, seitan, burgers, or vegetables, the flavour will be toned down.
You can press all of the excess moisture out of the tofu before adding it to the marinade if you want. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean dish towel and place something heavy on top. Whatever you do, don’t press the tofu AFTER it’s been marinated or else all of the delicious flavours will be lost.
Make It Healthier: You can make this recipe healthier by switching the ketchup with tomato paste, or by using low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Oil-Free Marinade: Omit the tablespoon of sesame oil or sub in vegetable broth to make this marinade recipe oil-free. Just know that you’ll be missing out on the slight sesame flavour!Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free tofu marinade instead.Adapt For Grilling: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup to create a smokey tofu marinade for grilling.