Asian-Style Grilled Tofu
This recipe came from my mom, who got it from Family Circle. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon! I cut out the oyster sauce from the marinade, but if you want to use it, the original recipe called for 1 tablespoon of bottled oyster sauce.

Total time
21 min
Servings
6
Calories
330.4
Category
Soy/Tofu
Elevate your plant-based protein game with this quick and flavorful Asian-Style Grilled Tofu. Perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, this recipe uses a savory-sweet marinade that delivers a burst of umami in under 30 minutes. Whether you're firing up the outdoor grill or using a stovetop grill pan, this vegan-friendly dish is the ultimate healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings
- 1/3 rice vinegar
- 2 fresh lime juice
- 2 ground ginger
- 1 Splenda sugar substitute
- 1/2 red pepper flakes
- 1/2 garlic powder
- 1/2 extra firm tofu
- 1 fettuccine
- 2 snow peas
- 12 onion
- 8 vegetable broth
- 1 cornstarch
- 1 sesame seeds
Method
In a small bowl, combine teriyaki, vinegar, lime juice, ginger, Splenda, red pepper flakes and garlic powder.
Open package of tofu and drain.
Slice tofu diagonally in half to form 2 triangular shaped pieces; turn triangle onto long flat cut side with point facing up; cut into 3 triangular slices, each about 1/2-inch thick.
Repeat with second triangle to form six 1/2-inch thick triangular slices.
Spread tofu onto a paper towel-lined tray; top with more paper towels, and cover with a sheet pan; evenly weigh down sheet pan with soup cans and let stand for 10 minutes.
Change paper toweling and repeat.
Transfer tofu to a shallow glass dish and add marinade; let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning slices over after 15 minutes.
Drain marinade into a small saucepan.
Bring a large pot of water to boiling.
Heat a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 2 teaspoons oil.
Cook fettuccine in boiling water according to package directions, adding snow peas, pepper and onion during the last 4 minutes of cooking.
Grill the tofu, about 2 minutes per side, until nicely marked and hot.
Stir broth and cornstarch into marinade and bring to a boil; boil until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Drain noodles and vegetables.
Toss noodles and vegetables with thickened marinade and sprinkle with sesame seeds, then top with grilled tofu.
Cook's notes
- Always press your tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture; this ensures the tofu absorbs the marinade and gets a better sear.
- Cut your tofu into uniform slabs to ensure even cooking across every piece.
- Oil your grill grates lightly before placing the tofu down to prevent sticking.
- Baste the tofu with the remaining marinade halfway through grilling for a deeper flavor profile.
Easy swaps
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Swap maple syrup for agave nectar or brown sugar if you prefer a different type of sweetness.
- Add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the marinade if you like your tofu with a spicy kick.
- Use extra-firm or super-firm tofu for the best texture that won't crumble on the grill.
Frequently asked
Do I need to press my tofu before grilling?
Yes, pressing the tofu is essential. Removing excess water allows the tofu to become firm and helps it absorb the Asian-style marinade effectively.
Can I make this tofu in a regular pan?
Absolutely! If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet or a standard non-stick pan will work perfectly to get a nice golden-brown crust.
Is this Asian-Style Grilled Tofu high in protein?
Yes, tofu is an excellent plant-based source of complete protein, making this a nutritious addition to any vegan diet.
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