In anticipation of the CSA Season we’re getting ready for some great summer eating! Fresh salads, salsas, and of course grilling. On hot summer nights chopping up a fresh salad and grilling a protein can make for an easy meal. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will enjoy this savory marinated tofu. This recipe can also be baked in the oven at 400F for about 30 minutes, although probably not in the summer. I started with one pound of local, organic tofu.
Tofu acts like a sponge and easily soaks up marinades. Press out as much water as you can and it will absorb more flavor. If you’re short on time gently squeeze the water out with the towel. If you have 15 minutes to spare, place the tofu in between two plates and place a heavy can on top. Let sit for 15 minutes. Whisk the marinade together and pour over the tofu. Marinate for at least an hour, and up to overnight flipping the tofu occasionally.
I added just a pinch of crushed red pepper to add some spice, and fresh chives. Oil the grates of your grill well so that the tofu doesn’t stick, then heat it to medium.
Cooking time will vary according to your grill, but try for good grill marks, about 8 minutes per side. Check often.
Grilled and Marinated Tofu
1lb firm or extra firm tofu
For the marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons tamari (GF if necessary)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 clove minced fresh garlic
Optional:
pinch of crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon minced chives
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Press tofu. Place tofu between two plates with a heavy soup or bean can on top. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. If you’re short on time gently squeeze water out with a towel.
Marinate tofu. Whisk marinade ingredients together. Slice tofu into 1/2 inch thick slabs. Pour marinade over tofu and let sit for at least one hour and up to overnight.
Prepare grill. Oil grill grates with olive or canola oil, then heat grill. When grill reaches medium heat, add tofu to grill. Cook each side about 8 minutes or until grill marks appear. Cooking times will vary according to your grill.
Variations. Use same marinade for tempeh. Replace tamari with red wine vinegar, omit sesame oil, replace rice vinegar with lemon juice, and add 1 tablespoon fresh or dried Italian herbs. Try different vinegars and herbs for different flavors. Marinate tofu then bake in the oven at 400F for about 30 minutes.
