These blackened tofu steaks are full of deep, rich, umami flavor. They're marinated in a blend of soy sauce, maple syrup and liquid smoke and coated in a mix of blackening spices. Grill them up and serve them with potatoes and veggies for the ultimate vegan dinner.
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I'm always experimenting with different ways to prepare tofu. And, I'm excited to introduce you to my new favorite way to marinate and grill tofu - blackened tofu steaks! These tofu steaks take inspiration from my popular smoky tofu recipe.
But, instead of simply marinating the tofu in a rich, smoky marinade, we're going to coat it in a blackening spice mix and grill it until the spices crisp up a bit. The result is the most heavenly tofu steaks you'll ever taste. They're slightly crisp on the outside with a flavorful interior.
For more tofu marinades, check out my Tofu Marinade (15 Ways) article. And, if you're looking for a great soy-free vegan steak recipe, check out these cabbage steaks.
Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
- It's packed with protein, healthy and easy to make.
- Grilled tofu is a budget friendly dinner option.
- Kids love tofu steaks! You can even make sandwiches out of them.
👨🍳How To Make Blackened Tofu Steaks
Press The Tofu
- Drain the tofu and wrap it in a paper towel. Place a heavy object like a cast iron pan on top, and allow the tofu to release its liquid for 15 minutes. Alternatively, go the easy route and use a tofu press. They're very affordable, and if you like tofu I guarantee it will be a good investment.
Cutting Tofu Steaks
- Lie the block of tofu on a cutting board with the long way facing you.
- Cut the block in half through the center. See picture 1.
- Turn each half on its side and cut in half again. You should have 4 thick tofu steaks.
How To Make Blackened Tofu Steaks
Marinate The Tofu
- Mix together your marinade ingredients in a shallow baking dish. Lay the tofu slabs out in the baking pan and allow them to marinate for at least two hours. Flip them over occasionally to make sure they're evenly coated in the marinade.
- Mix together the blackening seasoning in a small bowl. Tip it out onto a plate.
- Remove your tofu from the marinade and coat it in the blackened spices. Turn the tofu over and coat it generously in your spice mixture on all sides.
Grill The Tofu
- Allow the grill pan to heat up for 3 minutes. Brush the grill with a bit of oil and grill the tofu steaks for 3 minutes per side.
Chef's Tips
- Allow the grill pan to heat for at least 3 minutes before brushing it lightly with oil and grilling the tofu steaks.
- Use an 8x8 inch pan to soak the tofu in the marinade. If the pan is too big, the marinade will be too shallow to easily marinate it. Be sure to flip the tofu several times.
- If you don't have a grill pan, it's fine to use a normal saute pan; you just won't have the grill lines (which I think is what adds that steak touch.)
🍽️Serving Suggestions
🧡Blackened tofu steaks are perfect served with a side of almond milk mashed potatoes.
🧡Steak and chips? How about a side of garlic truffle fries?
🧡Make yourself a tofu steak sandwich.
🧡Serve with a side of sweet potato cubes or zucchini.
🙋Frequently Asked Questions
Tofu is a high protein food that is low in carbs. One ½ cup of tofu contains 10 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of carbohydrates (most of which are from fiber.) So, tofu is a low carb food that is high in protein.
Allow the tofu to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. Cooked tofu should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
More Vegan Tofu Recipes
Craving More Easy Vegan Tofu Recipes?
Hunan Tofu And Vegetable Stir Fry
📖 Recipe
Blackened Tofu Steaks
Ingredients
- 14 ounces tofu extra firm
Tofu Marinade
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and wrap it in a paper towel. Place a heavy object like a cast iron pan on top, and allow the tofu to release its liquid for 15 minutes. *see note 1
- Blot the tofu dry with a paper towel and cut it into four slabs.
- Mix together the marinade ingredients in a shallow baking dish. Lay the tofu slabs out in the baking pan and allow them to marinate for at least two hours. Flip them over occasionally to make sure they're evenly coated in the marinade.
- Mix together the blackened seasoning in a small bowl. Tip it out onto a plate.
- Remove the tofu from the marinade and coat it in the blackened spices. Turn the tofu over and coat it generously in your spice mixture on all sides.
- Allow the grill pan to heat up for 3 minutes. Brush the tofu with a bit of oil and grill for 3 minutes per side.
Notes
- You can also use a tofu press to press your tofu.
- To store leftovers, allow the tofu to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. Cooked tofu should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
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