Tofu with lemon, thyme and black pepper
This tofu dish features a refreshing marinade of lemon juice, thyme, and black pepper, creating a tangy flavor profile. Cooked until golden and crispy, it makes a satisfying addition to any meal.
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 lb tofu2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme
1 dash black pepper
Elevate your tofu game with this refreshing and savory recipe. Citrusy herbed tofu with lemon, thyme, and black pepper is a delightful dish that combines the tanginess of lemon juice with the earthiness of thyme, enhanced by a touch of black pepper. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to add a flavorful, plant-based meal to their repertoire.
Instructions:
- Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. You can do this by placing the tofu between two plates and putting a weight on top, such as a can or a heavy pot.
- Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, then pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the tofu into cubes or slabs, depending on your preference.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, dried thyme, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place the cut tofu pieces into the bowl with the marinade.
- Gently toss the tofu to ensure it is well coated with the marinade. Make sure all sides of the tofu are covered.
- Cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat if you prefer pan-frying.
- If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated tofu pieces evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- If pan-frying, add a little oil to the skillet and cook the tofu pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the oven or skillet and let it cool slightly.
- Serve your citrusy herbed tofu with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Dig in and enjoy your delicious, herbed tofu with lemon, thyme, and black pepper!
This herbed tofu is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. The combination of lemon, thyme, and black pepper creates a flavorful profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you are a tofu aficionado or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.
Tofu with lemon, thyme and black pepper FAQ:
Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
Bake the marinated tofu at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until it is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme for dried. Use about three times the amount, so 6 tsp of fresh thyme, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Store any leftover marinated tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days.
This herbed tofu pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, making for a light, nutritious meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Press the tofu before marinating: Pressing the tofu helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to absorb the marinade better, resulting in a more flavorful dish. You can use a tofu press or place the tofu between paper towels and put something heavy on top.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes: For best results, allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This gives enough time for the flavors to penetrate the tofu. If you have more time, you can even marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet: When cooking the tofu, use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. This will help prevent the tofu from sticking and ensure even browning.
- Dicing tofu uniformly: Cut the tofu into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help each piece get the same amount of flavor and maintain the same texture throughout the dish.
Nutrition Facts
2 ServingsCalories 160kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 1.17g
Sugar 2.08g
Fat 22g
More recipes
Chicken sausage and peppers macaroni casserole
A hearty chicken sausage and pepper macaroni casserole.
24 Jan 2026Fish and pumpkin red curry
A comforting fish and pumpkin red curry served over basmati rice.
11 Nov 2025Spanish white beans with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
Hearty Spanish white beans with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
04 Dec 2025Honey curry chicken breasts
Sweet and spicy honey curry chicken breasts baked to perfection.
11 Nov 2025Basil pesto pasta with roasted vegetables
Gluten-free pasta with basil pesto and roasted veggies.
18 Jan 2026Crumbed fish with sweet potato chips
Delicious crumbed fish served with crispy sweet potato chips.
08 Feb 2026Moroccan chicken with olives and preserved lemon
A fragrant one-pot Moroccan chicken dish with olives and preserved lemon.
01 Dec 2025