Grilled Tofu
Pouring hot marinade over tofu slices encourages faster absorption of flavors, eliminating the need to marinate overnight. In a pinch, this method yields tasty results in three hours, but the recommended six hours deliver a much more complex, richer flavored tofu. Grilled, it makes a versatile side dish and is delicious warm or at room temperature. Pair it with steamed rice and a simple green salad, or turn the tofu into satisfying vegetarian sandwiches by tucking it into pita bread with lettuce and avocado.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1(14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, sliced crosswise into eight equal slices (about 1/2-inch thick)
- 2tablespoons safflower or canola oil, plus more for greasing grates
- 2tablespoons minced garlic
- 1tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- ⅓cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2tablespoons turbinado sugar
- ½teaspoon black pepper
- 2tablespoons chopped scallions
Instructions
Step 1
Arrange sliced tofu in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. Press top with more paper towels to remove excess water. Arrange tofu in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, or any shallow dish that can hold the tofu in one layer.Step 2
In a small saucepan, combine oil, garlic and ginger over medium; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, sugar, pepper and 1/4 cup water, and cook, stirring to dissolve the sugar, about 2 minutes.Step 3
Pour hot marinade over tofu. Gently turn tofu slices to evenly coat, then cover dish tightly with plastic wrap to seal in heat. Refrigerate for 6 hours (or up to 8 hours), flipping tofu slices halfway through.Step 4
Heat grill to medium and grease grates well (or heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium and lightly grease). Grill tofu over direct heat until golden and caramelized, about 3 minutes per side.Step 5
Meanwhile, transfer marinade to a small saucepan over medium and warm through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in scallions.Step 6
Transfer tofu to a serving plate and spoon over the sauce. Serve warm.