Garlic & Black Pepper Tofu

Photo: Down to Earth Recipes
Garlic and black pepper make a fantastic flavor combination in this bold and intensely flavored dish.
Yield
3-4 Servings
Ingredients

Tofu Marinade

  • 1 (14-ounce) tub extra firm tofu, drained and pressed dried
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos
  • ¼ cup vegetable broth
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

Sautéed Onions

  • 2-3 Tablespoons safflower or peanut oil
  • ½ cup thinly sliced onions
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1-3 teaspoons chili oil
  • 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar or 1 Tablespoon mirin
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch
  • 2 teaspoons water

Garnish

  • ¼ cup sliced basil
  • Sesame seeds
Instructions
  1. To prepare Tofu Marinade: Cut tofu into 2” cubes and place in a medium bowl. Whisk together soy sauce, broth, garlic, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Pour over tofu, tossing to coat tofu in sauce, and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place marinated tofu cubes onto baking sheet in single layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Shake pan to toss tofu and then bake for another 15 minutes.
  3. To prepare Sauteed Onions: While tofu is baking, heat safflower/peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat to slowly caramelize and soften onions – about 20-25 minutes. Transfer onions to a large serving platter. Tofu should be done by now – remove from oven.
  4. Using the same skillet, raise heat to medium and whisk in all Sauce ingredients except for cornstarch and water. Allow to cook for a few minutes. Meanwhile whisk together cornstarch with water in a small bowl until cornstarch dissolves. Stir in cornstarch mixture into skillet. Let cook for a few minutes or until sauce is thickened. Add in baked tofu and toss gently to coat. Turn heat off and let tofu sit in skillet for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer tofu to serving plates and top with Sautéed Onions, sliced basil and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!