Learn how to make this delicious vegan, low carb, gluten free tofu recipe. Smoked tofu is marinated to yield more depth in flavour then pan fried and tossed with stir fried vegetables/zoodles. This is definitely a vegan dish that is filling, low carb and flavoursome.
If you have been following my blog from the beginning then you will notice that I have recently been tapping into the world of "all things tofu".
Yes, I have hopped on the bandwagon with using organic tofu a bit and LOVE IT. This recipe is inspired by my mother, yes thanks mom!
I don't know about you but I used to HATE the taste of tofu because my experience with it courtesy of restaurants was bland and pretty much tasteless.
Thanks to my mom, who introduced me to tofu her way meaning more flavoursome with a bit of a kick to it.
Plus I recently discovered smoked tofu which is like the holy grain for making this recipe taste STELLAR!
Honestly, I haven't looked back since sampling her method and want to introduce my readers to it too. Bye bye bland tofu and hello flavoursome tofu! And I'm here for it!
Reasons to make this dish
- It's flavoursome and not too complicated
- Perfect for vegans or anyone who is gluten free
- It's so filling
- It's low carb making it perfect for weightloss
- Perfect to serve on weekdays
- It's so versatile i.e. serve with cauliflower rice, vegetables, alone etc..
The steps
- Place the ingredients that are listed for the marinated tofu in a small bowl and whisk together.
- Place the tofu cubes in a deep baking dish and slowly pour all of the marinade over the tofu.
- Tilt the dish to the side and baste the tofu cubes a few times before setting it aside for a few hours or overnight for more depth in flavour (I highly recommend overnight).
- Add the coconut oil to a deep skillet/wok/frying pan( use a good non stick pan, very important) on medium heat.
- Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade (reserve the marinade, don't throw it away), add them to the pan and brown both sides.
- Meanwhile pour the marinade into a small saucepan, on low heat and stir until it starts to thicken slightly (it should take a few minutes) then set aside.
- Once the tofu is browned remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the vegetables (you should still have some excess oil left in the pan, if not add melt 1 tablespoon more) and proceed to stir fry until the veggies become tender/crisp (this will take several minutes).
- Start to drizzle half of the marinate/sauce over the vegetables and stir.
- Fold the zoodles (zucchini/courgette noodles) into the other vegetables and add the rest of the marinate/sauce
- Finally add the tofu cubes to the pan then carefully fold into the stir fried vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
I personally recommend doing this. Tofu is like a sponge and draws in the marinade to a certain extent as it is left to rest.
If you are pressed for time, leaving it a few hours should suffice although I personally like to leave it overnight.
I can only advise my readers who are based in the UK. I brought mine from Co-op but I do know Tesco, Sainsburys and Waitrose sell it.
Yes, frozen tofu is said to have a more chewy texture and the marinade absorbs much easier.
If you arre freezing marinated tofu you will want to place the tofu in an airtight container or freeze zip lock bag (double it for added security) for 2-3 months and when you are ready to use simply leave to thaw out before using.
Yes, if you want to bake the tofu instead of pan frying it. Simply transfer the tofu to an oven proof dish without the marinade (save it) and bake at 356f/180c for 15-20 minutes (turning half way through) or until golden.
Mixed Peppers, Cauliflower Rice, Quinoa or even Brown Rice
Notes and tips
- Make sure you are using tofu that is EXTRA FIRM don't use the stuff that is firm, soft or silken tofu as the texture really doesn't hold up too great for recipes such as stir fries.
- I used a rectangular pyrex dish of 7''x5'' when marinating the tofu.
- If you are using a frozen bag of mixed stir fry vegetables I recommend allowing them to thaw out overnight and blot off any excess water so it doesn't dilute the taste/texture of the marinade/sauce.
- I highly recommend using SMOKED TOFU for this recipe, it is a million times more flavoursome and really enhances the recipe.
- The use of pink salt is subjective, this will depend on whether you are using coconut aminos/organic soy(a) if it has sodium or my Homemade All Purpose Seasoning
- If you are in the UK stores like Iceland or Asda stir fry vegetables for £1 per bag.
- I didn't press out any excess liquid which is what most tofu recipes call for as I didn't see a need to. I simply drained off the excess liquid that comes in the bag.
- The amount of chilli that you use will be at your discretion. If you don't care for any spiciness then simply omit it.
- Start the marinating process by basting the tofu several times before leaving it. This will help the flavours to absorb.
More tofu and vegan recipes to try
- Oil Free Tofu Scramble
- Vegan Caribbean Breakfast
- Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- Caribbean Pumpkin Curry
- Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
- Broad Beans Curry
**Don't forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let's be friends and engage on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**
Marinated Tofu Stir Fry (Vegan, GF)
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 Extra firm smoked tofu (8oz/225g) chopped into cubes
- ¼ cup organic soy(a) sauce or coconut aminos (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon all purpose seasoning (15g) see notes for the link
- 1 teaspoon parsley (5g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules (5g)
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup (30g) agave nectar or coconut nectar
- 3 tablespoon warm water (45g)
- 1½ teaspoon tapioca starch (7.4g) can use arrow root or potato starch
- 1½ teaspoon sesame seed oil (7.4g)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (2.5g)
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder (2.5g)
For the stir fry
- 1 lb Mixed stir fry vegetables (550g) I used a frozen pack
- 1 zucchini/courgette large, spiralised
Instructions
For the marinate
- Place the ingredients that are listed for the marinated tofu in a small bowl and whisk together.
- Place the tofu cubes in a deep baking dish and slowly pour all of the marinade over the tofu.
- Tilt the dish to the side and baste the tofu cubes a few times before setting it aside for a few hours or overnight for more depth in flavour (I highly recommend overnight).
To make the stir fry
- Add the coconut oil to a deep skillet/wok/frying pan( use a good non stick pan, very important) on medium heat.
- Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade (reserve the marinade, don't throw it away), add them to the pan and brown both sides.
- Meanwhile pour the marinade into a small saucepan, on low heat and stir until it starts to thicken slightly (it should take a few minutes) then set aside.
- Once the tofu is browned remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the vegetables (you should still have some excess oil left in the pan, if not add melt 1 tablespoon more) and proceed to stir fry until the veggies become tender/crisp (this will take several minutes).
- Start to drizzle half of the marinate/sauce over the vegetables and stir.
- Fold the zoodles (zucchini/courgette noodles) into the other vegetables and add the rest of the marinate/sauce.
- Finally add the tofu cubes to the pan then carefully fold into the stir fried vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure you are using tofu that is EXTRA FIRM don't use the stuff that is firm, soft or silken tofu as the texture really doesn't hold up too great for recipes such as stir fries.
- If you are using a frozen bag of mixed stir fry vegetables I recommend allowing them to thaw out overnight and blot off any excess water so it doesn't dilute the taste/texture of the marinade/sauce.
- I used a rectangular pyrex dish of 7''x5'' when marinating the tofu.
- I highly recommend using SMOKED TOFU for this recipe, it is a million times more flavoursome and really enhances the recipe.
- The use of pink salt is subjective, this will depend on whether you are using coconut aminos/organic soy(a) if it has sodium or my Homemade All Purpose Seasoning
- If you are in the UK stores like Iceland or Asda stir fry vegetables for £1 per bag.
- I didn't press out any excess liquid which is what most tofu recipes call for as I didn't see a need to. I simply drained off the excess liquid that comes in the bag.
- The amount of chilli that you use will be at your discretion. If you don't care for any spiciness then simply omit it.
- Start the marinating process by basting the tofu several times before leaving it. This will help the flavours to absorb.
imsen
Thank you, this was beautiful although we wanted more sauce as the soy etc were sucked up by the other ingredients!
Charla
Thank you for your feedback.
Dannii
I am always looking for new ways to use tofu and this looks delicious.
Charla
Thanks Dannii
Danielle Wolter
I am a huge fan of using tofu. This sounds just delicious, great flavors! Can't wait to try it!
Charla
Thanks Danielle, enjoy!
Maria
Oh wow this is tofu deliciousness! I love the ingredients and your photography - will be giving this a go for dinner ASAP 🙂
Charla
Thanks Maria, really appreciate the kind words.
Alex
I'm not vegan or vegetarian but it looks so fire I have to make this! Thank you, Charla!
Charla
You are welcome Alex
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now! Just the sound of marinated tofu makes me crave.
Charla
Thank you so much