Grilled Tofu

Grilled tofu is a delicious vegetarian dish and a great alternative to meat. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 400 g of extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version)
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or lemon
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Chili flakes (optional)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for grilling)
  • Sesame seeds and chopped fresh green onion (for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Remove excess water from the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels and pressing gently with a weight on top (for example, a baking tray) for about 15-20 minutes.

  2. Cut the tofu into 1 cm thick slices or large cubes.

  3. Prepare a marinade by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar or lemon, and black pepper in a large bowl. If you like it spicy, add chili flakes as well.

  4. Immerse the tofu in the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, better if longer.

  5. Heat a grill to medium flame and lightly grease with extra-virgin olive oil.

  6. Remove the tofu from the marinade (do not discard the marinade) and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is well browned and has grill marks.

  7. While grilling the tofu, you can baste with the remaining marinade to add more flavor during cooking.

  8. Once grilled, transfer the tofu to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped fresh green onion.

Grilled tofu can be served hot as an appetizer or added to a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, or pasta. It’s a dish that also lends itself well to customization, allowing you to add other spices and herbs to the marinade. Enjoy your meal!