Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as impressive as it is delicious—Balsamic Tofu Steak! If you're on the hunt for a high-protein, plant-based entree that's bursting with flavor and easy to make, you've come to the right place. A big fan of Balsamic Vinegar? This tofu steak recipe takes tofu to a whole new level, infusing it with the bold and tangy taste of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and soy sauce for a meal that's sure to satisfy vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Why You'll Love This: Prepare to be blown away by the mouthwatering goodness of Balsamic Tofu Steak! Here's why you'll want to add this recipe to your repertoire:
- It's a game changer for tofu skeptics and enthusiasts alike, transforming humble tofu into a savory sensation that's perfect for any occasion.
- The simple marinade packs a punch of flavor, combining the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the savory umami of soy sauce.
- With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
- Balsamic Tofu Steak is incredibly versatile—serve it as the star of a grain bowl, on a bed of colorful veggies, or even in a sandwich with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that's sure to impress.
Check out more Tofu Recipes Here
Ingredients
- extra-firm tofu
- balsamic vinegar
- maple syrup or brown sugar ( I used Bachan's Sauce for sweetness)
- soy sauce or coconut Aminos
- olive oil / Sesame oil
- garlic powder / Seasoning mix
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Mix marinade ingredients. Press tofu. Cut Tofu into steaks and marinate in balsamic marinade. Allow some time for the flavors to be absorbed.
Lay flat on oiled baking sheet or baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. We also laid out some seasoned and oiled broccoli and red bell pepper.
Bake at 400F for about 20 min or until desired doneness.
Reduce the remaining marinade by cooking it in medium-high heat. And drizzle over the Tofu.
We served it with arugula, microgreens and a heap of hemp hearts for extra protein and different flavors.
- In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the tofu pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated on all sides. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the tofu steaks from the marinade, reserving any excess marinade for later use.
- Place the tofu steaks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the tofu is baking, transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it thickens into a glaze, about 5 minutes.
- Once the tofu is done baking, brush the glaze over the tops of the tofu steaks and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve your Balsamic Tofu Steaks hot and enjoy the explosion of flavor with every bite!
Hint: We served it with baked veggies, broccoli, onions and peppers!
Variations
- For a different flavor profile, try experimenting with different vinegars such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Add depth to your marinade by incorporating Italian seasoning or fennel seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitutions
- If you don't have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with another type of vinegar such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Feel free to customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amounts of maple syrup, soy sauce, or garlic powder.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe without a tofu press?
A: While pressing the tofu helps remove excess water and allows it to absorb more marinade, you can still achieve delicious results without a tofu press. Simply wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I grill the tofu instead of baking it?
A: Absolutely! Balsamic Tofu Steaks can be grilled on an outdoor grill or cooked indoors on a grill pan for a delicious smoky flavor.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Balsamic Tofu Steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy them cold or reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for a quick and tasty meal.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Balsamic Tofu Steak! Whether you're a seasoned tofu enthusiast or a newcomer to plant-based eating, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So fire up your oven, whip up a batch, and get ready to savor every delicious bite.
Top tip
Give time for the tofu to marinade for absorption of flavor. Pair it with your favorite grain, noodle or salad!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Easy Vegan Baked Balsamic Tofu Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu pressed and cut into thick "steaks"
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil / sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the tofu steaks in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated on all sides. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the tofu steaks from the marinade, reserving any excess marinade for later use.
- Place the tofu steaks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the tofu is baking, transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it thickens into a glaze, about 5 minutes.
- Once the tofu is done baking, brush the glaze over the tops of the tofu steaks and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve your Balsamic Tofu Steaks hot and enjoy the explosion of flavor with every bite!