Lemon and Toasted Garlic Tofu (Vegan Recipe) (2024)

• 1 lb extra firm tofu
• 2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt for tofu
• 4 tbsp oil for pan-frying
• 2 tbsp minced garlic –1.5 tbsp for the sauce, the remaining for topping later on
• 1 small red bell pepper sliced
• 1 small onion sliced
• More lemon for squeezing
• Chopped spring onion for topping

Sauce

• 2 tbsp lemon juice from 1 small lemon
• 3 tbsp coconut sugar or other sugar adjust depending on desired sweetness
• 1-2 tbsp soy sauce plus more to taste as needed
• 1.5 tbsp toasted garlic see cooking steps below
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth or room temp water
• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For Serving

• Cooked rice for serving (I used steamed Japanese rice)

Toasted Garlic and Sauce

• See photos above.

  In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil. Add in the minced garlic and cook over medium heat until the garlic is golden brown and crisp. Remove garlic and set aside. Leave to cool for a few minutes. No need to wash this pan, as you'll be using this for the tofu too.

• Mix all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl until sugar is diluted. Set aside.

Preparing the Tofu

• Drain water from the tofu by wrapping them in paper towels and then placing a heavy flat surface (a board or plate) on top of each. Leave for 15 minutes until water has been absorbed by the towels. You can also opt to use a tofu press.

• Once dry, slice tofu into 1-inch cubes.

• Sprinkle the salt on the tofu cubes then add the cornstarch. Coat the tofu well.

• In the same pan used for the garlic, add more oil. Pan-fry the tofu cubes until crisp and golden. You will need to turn around the tofu cubes to get them crisp on all sides.

• Take out the tofu from the pan.

Cooking the tofu

• Add some oil then sauté the onion and bell peppers until tender.

• Add in the cooked tofu. Mix the sauce well again (to make sure the cornstarch isn’t sitting at the bottom of the bowl). Pour the sauce in the tofu.

• Turn up heat and continue to mix until the sauce starts to thicken. Leave to cook for a few more minutes. Season with more salt, to taste (if desired). Turn off heat and serve with some rice.

• Top with more garlic and chopped spring onions + squeeze more lemon juice, if desired. Enjoy while hot! You can also check out the video below for more saucy tofu recipe ideas!