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Vegan Sticky Lemon Tofu Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

This Vegan Sticky Lemon Tofu recipe features crispy baked tofu cubes tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet lemon sauce. Perfectly balanced with agave syrup and soy sauce, it makes a delightful plant-based main dish served over steamed rice or vegetables.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus tofu pressing time)
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 15 oz. (1 block) extra firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Lemon Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten free tamari
  • 1/3 cup agave syrup
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

For Serving

  • Steamed rice or vegetables

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes, ideally a few hours, to remove excess water. This helps the tofu become crispy when baked. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare and bake the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
  3. Bake the tofu: Bake the tofu cubes in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote even browning. Bake until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Make the lemon sauce: While the tofu bakes, prepare the sauce. Heat a wok or saucepan over medium-high heat and combine soy sauce, agave syrup, lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Whisk thoroughly.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Continue whisking the sauce as it simmers on low heat for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Stir in the lemon zest and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce, agave syrup, or lemon juice as desired. Keep warm until the tofu is ready.
  7. Toss tofu in sauce: When the tofu is browned and crispy, transfer it to the pan with the sauce. Toss well to evenly coat all tofu pieces in the sticky lemon glaze.
  8. Serve: Serve the sticky lemon tofu immediately alongside steamed rice or vegetables for a satisfying vegan meal.

Notes

  • Pressing tofu well is crucial to achieve a crispy texture when baked.
  • You can substitute agave syrup with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener.
  • Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice when tossing the tofu.
  • Leftover tofu can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a pan.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/vegan-sticky-lemon-tofu-recipe/