Lemon Herb Grilled Tofu
Highlighted under: Holistic Healthy Cooking
Tofu can be a bit bland sometimes, but this lemon herb grilled tofu packs a delightful punch. Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that might turn any tofu naysayer around. The whole thing runs about $8, so it’s budget-friendly too. I made this for a weekend barbecue, and my friend Jenna couldn’t stop talking about how flavorful it was. You know you have a winner when people ask for seconds.
Honestly, the first time I made this tofu, I just assumed grilling it would be straightforward. I ended up with some seriously rubbery pieces because I didn’t press the tofu enough before marinating. Live and learn, right? Now, I make sure to press it thoroughly and the texture turns out amazing.
This recipe is perfect for summer grills, coupling simple herbs with bright lemon juice to really bring out the tofu's flavor. I love that even on a busy weeknight, I can throw this together with just a handful of ingredients and feel like I'm eating something special!
What I Love About This
- The lemon balance cuts through the richness
- It's super simple to prep ahead of time
- Even non-tofu lovers will enjoy this
Getting the Texture Right for Lemon Herb Grilled Tofu
When working with tofu, pressing it is a must to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade stick better and allows for a firmer texture when grilled. I usually let it press for about 30 minutes, but even 15 minutes can make a difference. Just pop something heavy on top, like a cast iron skillet, and let it do its thing.
If you're feeling adventurous, try freezing the tofu before you press it. This changes the texture in a really interesting way, giving it a chewier bite. Just thaw it out, press it, and then you’re good to go with the marinade!
Ingredient Notes
Fresh herbs are key for this recipe. I always go for fresh rosemary and thyme because they give the tofu such a vibrant taste. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried ones can work in a pinch, but I find the flavor isn’t as bright. Just use about one third of the amount if you're using dried.
About the marinade, if you're not a fan of garlic or just don’t have any, I’ve skipped it before and it still tastes great. You can also play around with adding some lemon zest for an extra citrus kick – it adds a nice zing. Honestly, I like to keep the marinade simple, so I often just stick to the basics!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience:
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, fresh is always best
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Make sure everything is fresh; it really makes a difference!
Instructions
Let’s get started with these steps:
Prepare the marinade
In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk to blend everything nicely. You'll want to smell that herb goodness as you mix it!
Marinate the tofu
Place the pressed tofu slices into a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each slice is coated, then let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. If you're in a hurry, 5 minutes works too, but longer is better.
Grill the tofu
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the tofu from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it on the hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side until you see those beautiful grill marks forming. If you notice that it’s sticking, it might not be ready to turn yet.
Finishing touches
After grilling, brush a little of the leftover marinade onto the tofu for extra flavor, then let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. I like to serve it with some grilled veggies or on top of a nice salad.
Enjoy your grilled tofu right away for the best taste!
What to Serve with Lemon Herb Grilled Tofu
Grilled veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, work really well alongside this tofu. Just toss them on the grill for the last few minutes while the tofu is finishing up. It all takes about the same amount of time, and the grill marks will make everything look beautiful on the plate.
A light salad also pairs nicely. I like to add some arugula, cherry tomatoes, and maybe a sprinkle of feta cheese if I'm feeling fancy. A simple lemon vinaigrette complements the tofu's flavors perfectly. You might even drizzle a bit of the leftover marinade on the salad for a nice touch.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the tofu and marinate it the night before. Just keep it in the fridge, and it’ll soak up all those wonderful flavors by the time you're ready to grill. Honestly, sometimes I make extra, because leftovers are fantastic in a sandwich or wrap the next day.
If you have leftover marinade, don’t toss it! You can use it as a drizzle over the cooked tofu or even on roasted vegetables. Just make sure to heat it before using, as it was in contact with raw tofu. You can give it a quick simmer in a saucepan while the tofu rests after grilling.
Questions About Recipes
→ How do I know if my tofu is pressed enough?
You'll want it to feel firm and dense, not squishy. If you're unsure, press it for at least 20 minutes.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the tofu a day in advance and just grill it when you're ready to serve.
→ What should I serve with this tofu?
I usually go for grilled veggies or a fresh salad. Nice rice or quinoa works well too; the options are endless!
Lemon Herb Grilled Tofu
Created by: The Tastycrafter Team
Recipe Type: Holistic Healthy Cooking
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, fresh is always best
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How-To Steps
In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk to blend everything nicely. You'll want to smell that herb goodness as you mix it!
Place the pressed tofu slices into a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each slice is coated, then let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. If you're in a hurry, 5 minutes works too, but longer is better.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the tofu from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it on the hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side until you see those beautiful grill marks forming. If you notice that it’s sticking, it might not be ready to turn yet.
After grilling, brush a little of the leftover marinade onto the tofu for extra flavor, then let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. I like to serve it with some grilled veggies or on top of a nice salad.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 247
- Total Fat (g): 19.8
- Saturated Fat (g): 2.5
- Cholesterol (mg): 0
- Sodium (mg): 650
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 9.5
- Dietary Fiber (g): 2.4
- Sugars (g): 1.1
- Protein (g): 16.7