My foolproof tofu marinade recipe will help you achieve flavorful, crispy marinated tofu every time! Choose from one of 3 ways for how to cook tofu - air fryer, baked or pan fried - and pair it with this asian tofu marinade for a vegan and gluten free staple ingredient you can use in tacos, salad or grain bowls.
Tofu can be a tricky ingredient to work with. On its own, tofu can come across as tasteless and spongy, but marinated tofu is a very different story. When marinated and cooked properly, tofu is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely bursting with the best flavor.
If you’ve been curious about tofu or how to cook tofu, then my Asian tofu marinade is a great place to start. It’s an easy tofu marinade that can be used to bake tofu, pan fry it, or even make crispy tofu in the air fryer. This is the best tofu I've ever had, and it's saved me many times over the years when coming up with salad toppers, wrap or taco fillings for vegan guests!
For tofu lovers, this tofu marinade recipe should be a delicious new addition. For those who have been hesitant to try tofu, this marinated tofu will win you over in no time. Marinated tofu is a magic staple ingredient I like to have on hand for quick, nutritious lunches.
What is tofu?
Tofu is an ingredient made from condensed soy milk, which is derived from soybeans. The soy milk is then combined together with nigari, which is a healthy substance that’s found in saltwater after the salt has been extracted. Nigari is rich in minerals and helps the soy milk form into tofu’s signature solid, block-like shape.
What is silken tofu?
Soft or silken tofu is a type of tofu that is deliciously soft and creamy. It has a silky smooth texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for use in a variety of recipes. This type of tofu can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes to add a creamy texture and subtle flavor.
Silken tofu is great for blending into sauces, adding to smoothies, baking into desserts, or even eating raw! It's also incredibly versatile; it can be used in anything from stir-fries to curries and soups. Its absorbency makes it great for marinating too. I love making chocolate puddings with silken tofu, or mixing it with fruit like mango for an easy dessert for my kids.
Silken tofu is easy to digest, high in protein and an excellent source of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus as well as other vitamins & minerals. For those looking for an alternative to dairy products, silken tofu is an excellent option!
What is firm tofu or extra firm tofu?
Firm and extra firm tofu is a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It contains all the essential amino acids that are necessary for good health. Whenever making my marinated tofu recipe, the best tofu to use is firm or extra firm tofu. In fact, I press it even further to get ALL the liquid out of it!
Firm tofu is made by pressing soybeans to create a less dense, softer block of tofu. Extra firm tofu has been pressed even further, making it much denser with a very dry consistency that can be cut or crumbled into smaller pieces. It holds its shape well when cooking and is ideal for stir-fries, salads, scrambles or roasting as it absorbs flavors well.
Is tofu healthy?
Tofu is extremely healthy! It’s a naturally high protein, low calorie, and low carb option that can be added to almost any meal. Tofu is a great protein choice for vegans and vegetarians or for anyone looking to eat more plant-based protein.
Firm and extra firm tofu both contain fewer calories than other proteins such as beef or pork, while still providing an excellent source of complete protein that includes many different minerals like iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Tofu also contains healthy fats like omega-3s which promote brain health. Overall, if you’re looking for an easy, nutritious way to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet, then firm or extra-firm tofu are great options!
What are the nutritional benefits of tofu?
Tofu is considered to be an incredibly nutrient-dense food since it’s low in calories, but high in important vitamins and minerals. Calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, and zinc are just a few of the essential nutrients found in tofu. Plus, adding tofu to your diet has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers, while helping to build stronger bones and brain functions.
How to prepare tofu?
Tofu is very easy to work with - it just requires a bit of preparation. You’ll want to start by pressing your tofu and then slicing into bite-sized cubes. Then, you’ll move on to the marinade before choosing how to cook tofu. Following these steps will result in super flavorful tofu, every time!
Below, I’ve outlined three individual methods for preparing tofu, including how to cook tofu in a pan, how to bake tofu, and how to air fry tofu. There’s no wrong answer here!
Easy Tofu Marinade
This easy tofu marinade recipe is truly one of my favorites. Inspired by the sweet and salty ingredients of Asian cuisines, the Asian tofu marinade is packed with flavors. It's comprised of simple ingredients, and the marinade comes together in seconds and can be used to make a light weeknight dinner or a filling weekend meal worth savoring.
What to do with leftover marinade?
Do not discard the marinade when you are done making this flavorful tofu! I like to use leftover marinade in making salad dressings. Just add a bit of olive oil and a touch of lemon or vinegar to this tofu marinade to make salad dressing!
I also like to stir fry vegetables with noodles in the leftover marinade. To make an easy one-pan tofu stir fry, add vegetables to the same pan in which you just cooked the tofu. Add the leftover marinade, cook veggies for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, and then add cooked noodles of your choice. And voila!
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED to make this Asian tofu marinade
- firm or extra-firm tofu - this is the best tofu to use for this marinated tofu recipe. If you use silken tofu, it will NOT turn out crispy.
Tofu marinade:
- soy sauce - I usually use Tamari sauce, or Bragg's amino acids for a more allergen-free marinade.
- rice wine vinegar - you can use any vinegar you like; I also like to use apple cider vinegar. White vinegar and wine-based vinegars are also great.
- Sambal Oelek or Sriracha sauce - this ingredient is at the heart of this simple marinade, and it adds a lot of flavor to your tofu. You can reduce the quantity of hot sauce if you don't like it hot. You can also use another hot sauce of your choice, like Cholula for a more Mexican feel.
- Chinese five spice powder OR cumin - I often use a mix of cumin and coriander when looking for a more Latin flavor.
- water - this dilutes the marinade.
See recipe cards for exact quantities.
How to make marinated tofu
To make marinated tofu, you’ll first need to press the tofu first to get all the water out of the tofu. This step releases all of the excess moisture from the tofu, to help it crisp during the cooking process.
To press tofu, simply squeeze the block of tofu between your hands until the fluids have drained. If you want to press it even more, place it on a cutting board, top with a plate and place a heavy can on it. Leave it like this for 10 minutes to drain. Then, cut tofu into small bite-sized cubes, rectangular slices or triangle-shaped tofu pieces and place in a large bowl or flat bottomed casserole dish.
Prepare the Asian tofu marinade by combining all of the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and then pouring it over the tofu cubes. Marinate for at least an hour, but a longer amount of time will let the flavors really sink in (when I have time, I like to marinate overnight!).
Pressed and cubed tofu will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3 Ways How to Cook Tofu
When it comes to flavors, tofu is wonderfully versatile and adaptable. But the same is true when it comes to cooking methods. If you’ve been wondering how to cook tofu, then I have you covered. This easy tofu marinade can be used to make crispy tofu in the air fryer, cook tofu in a pan, or even bake tofu. Each method produces delicious results, so use whichever approach works best for you.
How to make crispy tofu in the air fryer
To air fry tofu: Place the marinated tofu into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring each piece has plenty of room for the air circulation. Cook the marinated tofu for 15 minutes at 400 F degrees. Be sure to toss or flip the tofu about halfway through the cooking time, so the pieces become golden brown.
This will give you delicious tofu that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray
- Air fryer liners
How to cook tofu in a pan
To pan-fry tofu: In a large pan, add the marinated tofu, making sure each cube is flat on one side. Bring the pan up to a medium-high heat and let the tofu cook for 4 minutes. Flip each tofu cube to the other side and then cook for another 1-2 minutes on each side, until the tofu is golden brown on all sides. The finished tofu should be crispy and golden brown on all sides when it’s done.
This will give you tofu that can taste like the best type of guilty pleasure!
Equipment
How to bake tofu in oven
To bake tofu: Preheat the oven to 450 F degrees. On a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, spread out the marinated tofu. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the tofu is golden brown.
This cooking method will product chewier tofu.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Reusable silicone mat (optional)
Storage
The cooked and marinated tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also marinate the tofu ahead of time and store overnight in the refrigerator. For uncooked tofu, always store it in its original package or in a container filled with water to help it retain moisture.
Top Tips
Sprinkle with cornstarch. The secret to that crispy, crunchy texture is a sprinkle of cornstarch over the tofu before cooking. Cornstarch prevents the tofu from becoming soggy in the oven or pan and brings out the crunch in the air fryer. I don't use it every time, but it's a special secret trick I use whenever I want extra crispy tofu!
Use a weight to press the tofu. Pressing the tofu by hand is my go-to method for preparing the tofu. But if you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, (literally!) then use a heavy object like a cookbook or pot to press the tofu instead. Simply place the tofu on a cutting board, top with a small sheet of parchment paper, and then add the weighted object on top.
Variations
- Hemp tofu. For a soy-free option, prepare this recipe with hemp tofu instead. Hemp tofu is made from ground hemp seeds, rather than soybeans, and works as a great substitution to traditional tofu. However, hemp tofu is usually a bit more expensive with a slightly grittier texture.
- Swap the protein type. This asian tofu marinade can work with a large variety of protein types other than tofu. I love it for marinated tempeh as well! Try out chicken for an easy, meat-based variation.
- Mexican marinated tofu - for a more Mexican feel to your marinated tofu, substitute the Chinese five spice mix for cumin powder, or equal amounts of cumin and coriander. Use a Mexican vinegar-based hot sauce in place of Sriracha or Sambal Oelek.
What to use instead of soy sauce?
If you're caeliac or gluten sensitive, like me, use Tamari sauce instead of soy sauce in this recipe.
If you are allergic to soy, use coconut Amino acids like Bragg's - they're soy-, wheat- and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tofu is available at most grocery stores, especially at your local Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. You can also stop in at your local Asian Market for an even greater selection.
There are four main varieties of tofu, categorized by their level of firmness: Extra-firm, firm, soft, and silken. For this recipe, I recommend using extra-firm or firm tofu. Soft tofu works well in soups, while silken is best used for recipes that require blended tofu.
Yes! Since tofu is made of soy, it is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. If you are allergic to soy products, then try using hemp tofu instead.
Uncooked tofu can be frozen and kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. For easier cooking down the line, cube the tofu and store in an airtight container before freezing. This step will make the defrosting process faster and easier.
Draining the tofu makes it more susceptible to taking in flavor. I have noticed a difference in the texture when making crispy tofu bites for dipping, for example. That being said, if you’re marinading the tofu to use it in something with sauce, then it’s not a HUGE difference. So it’s totally up to you.
Now, about the water in the marinade - that’s meant simply to raise the level of the marinade so the tofu soaks fully. You can skip it entirely if you use a dish that’s wide and shallow enough to contain the tofu in one row, and then you’re diligent about turning it halfway. Because tofu that isn’t properly marinated WILL taste different.
Recommended Dishes
Find more ways to serve or cook tofu with these recipes:
4-Step Easy Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Tofu Spring Rolls With Apple That Are Perfect For Hot Weather
Spicy Marinated Tofu Tacos with Avocado and Russian Sauerkraut
Pin for Later!
Recipe
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
How to Cook Marinated Tofu
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet optional
- Reusable silicone mat optional
Ingredients
- 1 package of firm or extra-firm tofu
Asian tofu marinade:
- 6 Tbs of soy sauce Tamari sauce, or Bragg's amino acids
- 3 Tbs of rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tb of Sambal Oelek or Sriracha sauce
- ¼ teaspoon of Chinese five spice powder OR cumin
- 3 Tbs of water
Instructions
- Press the tofu to drain between your hands to extract fluids. Alternatively, to get even more liquid out, place the tofu on a cutting board, top it with a plate, and top the plate with a heavy can. Leave to drain for 15 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes, each slightly smaller than 1-square inch. You can also cut it into triangles for sandwiches.
- In a square or rectangular bowl, make the marinade by whisking together soy, rice vinegar, hot sauce, spices and water. Add cubed tofu to bowl and toss the tofu in the marinade, covered with plastic wrap or lid, overnight or at least for a few hours (you can even let it marinate for a few days, soaking up flavour as it goes along, so don't hesitate to plan several meals from this tofu). Give the tofu pieces a stir every few hours, to ensure all are evenly coated with sauce.
- Uncooked, marinated tofu stays good for 3 days in an airtight container.
PAN FRIED TOFU METHOD
- Preheat a grill pan, a cast iron pan or a non-stick pan to high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil. Remove the tofu from the marinade, add tofu to the pan and grill 2-3 minutes per side. Turn each piece over to the other side, repeating until the tofu is browned on all sides and you can see grill marks if using a grill pan.
- Top with a few spoonfuls of the remaining marinade, if desired.
OVEN BAKED TOFU METHOD
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Cover a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Remove the tofu from the marinade, arrange on a baking sheet so there’s no overlap between the slices. Bake for 15 minutes on one side; flip over, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Top with a few spoonfuls of the remaining marinade, if desired.
AIR FRYER TOFU METHOD
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Spray with non-stick spray, or drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil. Remove the tofu from the marinade, arrange in the air fryer so there’s no overlap. Air fry tofu for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times in the process. You want your tofu nice and golden brown for this simple recipe.
- Remove tofu from the air fryer and top with a few spoonfuls of the remaining marinade, if desired.
Notes
Now, about the water in the marinade - that’s meant simply to raise the level of the marinade so the tofu soaks fully. You can skip it entirely if you use a dish that’s wide and shallow enough to contain the tofu in one row, and then you’re diligent about turning it halfway. Because tofu that isn’t properly marinated WILL taste different.
Heidi says
My tofu came out perfectly thanks to your recipe! I had never made it in the air fryer before and now I think it's my favorite way to fix it! It was full of flavor and just the right texture!
Mandy Applegate says
I loved having 3 different options for cooking tofu and the cornstarch tip was a game changer!
Erin says
I love that you included 3 methods! I used the air fryer option and my tofu came out perfectly. I'm excited to try the other methods next!
Lisa says
I picked up a package of tofu and wasn't really sure what the best way to cook it was. I used the air fryer method and it came out perfect! Super tasty.
Vladka says
My daughter turned vegetarian and tofu is one the ingredients we didn't know how to prepare to our liking. I am glad I found this tutorial. Thanks