Smoky Pan-Fried Tofu

The Spice & Tea Exchange
Servings

4-5 servings

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

8 minutes

This recipe delivers all kinds of authentic barbeque vibes - without the meat, smoke, or grill. Pan-fried tofu has a crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior - and is full of savory, meaty flavor thanks to an easy marinade featuring Lapsang Souchong (smoked black tea), Sweet Onion Sugar, and Smoked BBQ Rub. Serve alongside a quick and delicious pickle barbeque glaze, this is a perfect "go-to" recipe for a plant-based weeknight dinner. Enjoy as a main dish or incorporate into a sandwich.
Smoky Pan-Fried Tofu

Ingredients

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    • 3 Tbsp Lapsang Souchong Black Tea
    • 1 Tbsp Sweet Onion Sugar
    • 2 tsp Smoked BBQ Rub Spice Blend
    • 16 oz water at 200°F
    • 1 block extra firm tofu (14 to 16 oz)
    • 1 tsp Hickory Smoked Sea Salt
    • 1 to 2 Tbsp canola or olive oil

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    • ½ cup pickle juice
    • 2 Tbsp Sweet Onion Sugar
    • 1 Tbsp Smoked BBQ Rub Spice Blend
    • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

    Directions

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      1. Place tea, sugar, and spice blend in a heat-proof, flat-bottomed dish (roughly 1-quart capacity). Add hot water and stir until sugar has dissolved; set aside.
      2. Slice tofu into ¾-inch planks and add to the liquid. If needed, add more water to ensure the tofu is submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight.

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      1. To a small nonstick pan add pickle juice, sugar, spice blend, and vinegar. On medium-low heat, slowly cook the mixture while stirring occasionally. Continue cooking at a gentle simmer to slightly reduce the liquid and thicken consistency.
      2. To test: Dip a spoon in the glaze then immediately trace a line across the back of the spoon with your fingertip. If the line remains visible, the glaze is thick enough; if it does not, continue cooking a bit longer, then test again.
      3. Remove from heat and keep warm.

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      1. Remove tofu from marinade and pat dry. Divide the 1 teaspoon of smoked sea salt among the tofu planks to season both sides equally. To a nonstick pan (or griddle) add 1 Tablespoon of oil, then tofu; arrange planks in a single layer.
      2. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed, adding a bit more oil if the pan gets dry. Heat to medium-high; pan-fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the surface is golden brown and the edges slightly crispy. Remove from pan and rest briefly on a towel to absorb excess oil. Serve with pickle barbeque glaze.
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