Description
Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu is a flavorful and savory vegan dish featuring extra-firm tofu marinated in a garlicky, ginger-infused soy sauce mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions and a hint of lemon, this recipe is perfect as a main or side dish with a rich umami taste and crispy edges.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 to 16 ounces of extra-firm tofu, drained
Marinade
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 3 stalks of green onion, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup of water
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Cut the drained tofu into ⅓ inch thick triangular slices and place them in a large casserole dish. Set aside to prepare the marinade.
- Make and Apply Marinade: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, thinly sliced green onions, lemon juice, brown sugar, grated ginger, and water. Pour this marinade over the tofu slices in the casserole dish. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least two hours or overnight for a deeper flavor, flipping the tofu slices halfway through to ensure even absorption.
- Pan-Fry the Tofu: Heat a large sauté pan over high heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Add as many tofu slices as will fit in a single layer. Cook the tofu without moving it until it is browned on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the tofu slices and brown the other side for about 2 minutes.
- Simmer in Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade mixture into the pan with the tofu and cook until the tofu darkens slightly, about 45 seconds. Flip the tofu slices and repeat this process to evenly glaze and heat the tofu.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tofu from the pan and garnish with the remaining thinly sliced green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- For firmer tofu, press it gently before marinating to remove excess moisture.
- Marinating the tofu overnight greatly intensifies the flavor.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent tofu from sticking.
- Adjust brown sugar to taste for more or less sweetness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: tofu, garlic tofu, pan-fried tofu, vegan tofu recipe, asian tofu, garlc ginger marinade, quick tofu dish
