This tofu steak recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal. It features crispy tofu steaks seasoned with a spicy smoked steak marinade and grilled to perfection for a lovely smoky flavor.
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It can be a challenge to find a vegan steak that is flavorful and satisfying. This recipe will show you how to achieve just that using tofu as the main ingredient. The secret is in the marinade and grilling technique. Believe me, even meat lovers will enjoy this dish!
If you are looking to try more tofu dishes, you should check out my tofu marinade recipes. You will also love this harissa tofu, buffalo tofu, and teriyaki tofu.
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❤️ Why you’ll love it
I love how this tofu steak recipe delivers such a bold and smoky flavor that will make you forget about missing meat. The secret is in the marinade, which is a simple blend of herbs, spices, and sauces that work together to infuse the tofu with a ton of savory, spicy, and smoky flavors.
Plus, the texture of this tofu steak is perfect. It has a crispy crust on the outside, thanks to the high heat of the grill, but it stays moist and tender on the inside. This contrast in textures makes every bite a true pleasure.
What’s even better is that this recipe is so easy to make. The marinade takes just a few minutes to mix together, and the tofu only needs to marinate for a short 15 minutes. It’s a quick and simple recipe that delivers amazing results, which is always a win in my book.
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🧾 Key ingredients
This tofu steak recipe calls for a variety of simple, plant-based ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. These ingredients are not only delicious but also packed with flavor and nutrients.
Firm tofu is the star of this recipe. It is a great source of plant-based protein and, when marinated and cooked properly, can take on a deliciously meaty texture.
Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar are used to marinate the tofu. This combination infuses the tofu with a savory, umami flavor that is truly satisfying.
Onion powder, garlic powder, sweet smoked paprika, and oregano add a depth of flavor to the tofu that will have you coming back for more.
Liquid smoke is an optional ingredient that can add a hint of smokiness to the tofu, giving it a more “grilled” flavor, even if you are cooking it indoors.
Chimichurri sauce is a fresh and vibrant sauce made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. It adds a pop of flavor to the tofu, cutting through the richness and adding a delicious herby note.
🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
🥘 Equipment
To make this delicious tofu steak recipe, the most important piece of equipment you will need is a good quality grill pan. This is what will give your tofu steaks those beautiful, distinct grill marks and the smoky flavor we all love.
👩🍳 Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
STEP 1
Start by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess water. This can be done by wrapping the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top, such as a cast-iron skillet. Or use a tofu press like TofuBud. Let it press for about 15-20 minutes.
STEP 2
While the tofu is being pressed, prepare the marinade. In a glass bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, sweet smoked paprika powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and liquid smoke. Mix these ingredients well.
Making the tofu steak
STEP 1
Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch thick slices. If you are using a 12-oz block of tofu, cut it in half horizontally.
STEP 2
Place the tofu slices in a shallow bowl or dish, ensuring they form a single layer.
STEP 3
Pour the prepared marinade over the tofu slices, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the tofu to marinate in this mixture for about 15 minutes.
STEP 4
Heat a grill pan or a regular pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or dairy-free butter to the pan.
STEP 5
Place the marinated tofu slices on the hot pan, leaving a small space between them. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a nice crust.
Making the chimichurri sauce
STEP 1
While the tofu is grilling, prepare the chimichurri sauce. Wash the parsley and finely chop it.
STEP 2
In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to make the sauce.
💡 Expert tip
The key to this tofu steak recipe is the marinating process. The longer you marinate the tofu, the more flavor it will absorb. I recommend marinating the tofu for at least 15 minutes, but if you have the time, you can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the marinade in the refrigerator for the best results.
🔄 Variations
For a tangy twist, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the marinade. The acidity of the lemon will complement the savory flavors and add a refreshing touch to the tofu steaks.
If you like your food with a bit of heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add some hot sauce to the marinade. This will give your tofu steaks a spicy kick that pairs well with the smoky flavor of the grill.
Grill on an outdoor barbecue. If you prefer, you can cook these tofu steaks on an outdoor grill. The smoky flavor from the grill will add an extra dimension to the dish. Just make sure to oil the grates well, as tofu can stick easily.
🥣 Serving ideas
These tofu steaks are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make a delicious main course for a hearty dinner, and they can be paired with a wide range of side dishes.
For a comforting and satisfying meal, consider serving them with some roasted vegetables. I particularly enjoy them with some garlicky roasted asparagus and a side of baked baby potatoes.
Other great options include roasted asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed carrots, and roasted cauliflower. Vegan mashed potatoes, vegan scalloped potatoes, and vegan risotto also go beautifully with the flavors of the steak.
It is also great with a wide variety of sauces. Some of my favorites include vegan peppercorn sauce, vegan spinach pesto, vegan sun-dried tomato pesto, and vegan BBQ sauce.
❄️ Storing tips
Storing and reheating tofu steaks is simple and does not compromise the flavor or texture of the dish. In fact, the flavors may even intensify, making the leftovers even more delicious.
To store the tofu steaks, allow them to cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days.
I do not recommend freezing the tofu steaks, as the texture of the tofu can become quite crumbly and unappealing.
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in a pan on the stovetop. This method will help to maintain the crispy exterior of the tofu steaks. Simply place the tofu steaks in a pan over medium heat and cook them for a few minutes on each side, or until they are heated through.
🤔 FAQs
Can you grill tofu steak in the oven?
Yes, you can grill tofu steak in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 Fahrenheit (204 ° C) and place the tofu steak slices on a baking tray with a grill rack. Make sure to lightly oil the grids to prevent sticking. Grill the tofu steaks for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Can you grill tofu steaks on a gas grill?
Yes, you can grill tofu steaks on a gas grill. To prevent the steaks from falling through the grates, use aluminum foil drip pans or grill mats. Lightly oil the drip pans or place the marinated tofu slices on the non-stick grill mats. Preheat your gas grill to 400 Fahrenheit (204 ° C) and grill the tofu steaks for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
More vegan tofu recipes
Looking for more tofu recipes or any other ways to enjoy tofu?
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Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
Tofu Steak
- 12 oz Firm tofu
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce yes, you can buy a vegan one
- ½ tsp Balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder
- 1 tsp Oregano dried
- ½ tsp Cumin ground
- 1 tsp Salt
- ⅛ tsp Black pepper
- ⅛ tsp Hot chili powder or flakes
- Liquid smoke optional
Chimichurri Sauce
- ½ oz Parsley (fresh) finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Red wine vinegar
- ⅛ tsp Hot chili powder or flakes optional
Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
- Use firm tofu and press it.
Making marinade
- Take a glass bowl and mix all ingredients with a spoon (soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, sweet smoked paprika powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, liquid smoke).
Marinating tofu
- After you press the tofu, cut them into 1-inch thick slices (approx. 2 cm). If you use a 12-oz block (approx. 340 g), then cut it in half horizontally.
- Take a shallow bowl and layer the tofu slices in one layer.
- Pour the spicy marinade on them and gently mix them. We use a silicone brush or a spoon to cover it thoroughly. Let the tofu marinate for 15 minutes.
Grilling tofu steaks
- Heat the grill pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil or dairy-free butter. Place the tofu steak slices on it, leaving a small space between them. Grill both sides for approx. 2-3 minutes.
Making chimichurri sauce
- Wash and finely chop parsley. Then mix it with the other ingredients in a small bowl. Ready to be served!
Dianne
The best tasting tofu I have ever made! Didn’t even need the chimichurri sauce. Maybe I’ll make that next time.
CAROL
sodium per serving: 1846mg. YIKES. Any suggestions on how to reduce that to about 450mg per serving??
My Pure Plants
It is calculated by a program and that is the amount needed for the marinade but I guess it cannot take into consideration how much of it is actually absorbed by the tofu slices. I am pretty sure not the total sodium amount is transferred to the tofu.