Marinade for tofu: Best 5 marinades (easy and tasty)

Welcome to the world of tofu marinades—where deliciousness, ease, and versatility come together to elevate your meals! Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a newcomer to this versatile protein, these five marinade recipes are here to transform your tofu into a delicious easy tofu dream. Try one of these delicious marinades for dinner tonight! They are great for a quick dinner with tofu, snap peas, red peppers, green onion, and a side of white rice! Yum!

Say goodbye to bland tofu forever! With these 5 easy marinated tofu recipes, you can turn a simple block of tofu into a mouthwatering protein packed with incredible flavors. Ideal for frying, baking, or air frying, these recipes will elevate your tofu to new levels of deliciousness.

5 Best Tofu Marinades

Tofu is a blank canvas that eagerly absorbs flavors, making it perfect for a variety of dishes. These marinades are crafted to infuse tofu with bold, vibrant tastes, turning it from plain to spectacular with minimal effort. These 5 easy tofu marinade recipes are a great way to add delicious flavors to a piece of tofu. Whether you’re craving the savory depth of a classic Chinese marinade, the sweet and spicy kick of Korean BBQ, the bright zest of orange, the comforting richness of teriyaki, or the aromatic warmth of curry, there’s a marinade to suit every taste.

What makes these marinades special?

They’re not only incredibly easy to prepare but also highly versatile. Each recipe blends everyday ingredients into tantalizing flavors that can be mixed and matched based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. From a quick weeknight dinner to a meal prep staple, these marinades promise to deliver mouthwatering tofu every time.

How do you use them?

Simply marinate your tofu for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight, depending on how intense you want the flavors. Then, choose your favorite cooking method—baking, pan-frying, air-frying, or even grilling—to achieve that crispy texture that makes tofu irresistible. You can marinate any type of tofu, from soft tofu, mapo tofu, to extra-firm tofu, but for tofu stir fry I always recommend using extra firm tofu. Of all the different types of tofu, extra firm tofu is the for tofu stir-fry and even deep frying. It has a more meaty texture that becomes deliciously crispy on the outside during cooking.

These marinades are more than just recipes; they’re your ticket to making tofu a star on your plate. Dive in, explore these delicious options, and discover just how delightful and versatile tofu can be!

What can I marinade tofu in

When marinating tofu, the key is to use equipment that allows the tofu to soak up the flavors efficiently. Before marinating the tofu, use a tofu press to remove the excess water so the tofu is ready to soak up all the flavors. Here’s a rundown of some great options:

1. Shallow Dish: A shallow dish, like a glass or ceramic baking dish, is ideal for marinating sliced tofu slabs. It allows the marinade to cover the tofu evenly and makes it easy to turn the tofu for thorough flavor absorption. 

2. Plastic or Glass Containers: Resealable plastic bags or airtight glass containers work well, especially if you’re marinating tofu for a longer period. They help ensure the marinade evenly coats the tofu and can be easily shaken or flipped.

3. Mixing Bowl: If you’re marinating a smaller batch of tofu, a mixing bowl is a convenient option. Just make sure it’s large enough for the tofu pieces to be coated thoroughly.

4. Marinating Trays: Specialized marinating trays with a lid or sealable cover can be very effective. They often have a design that helps in evenly distributing the marinade.

5. Silicone Bags: Reusable silicone bags are a great eco-friendly option. They are flexible, seal tightly, and are perfect for tossing tofu and marinade around to ensure even coating.

6. Foil or Plastic Wrap: If using a dish, you can cover it with foil or plastic wrap to keep the tofu from drying out in the refrigerator as marinate the cubed tofu.

Tips for Effective Marinating:

– Ensure Even Coating: Whatever container you use, make sure the tofu is coated evenly with the marinade. For best results, pour marinade over the tofu, turn or shake the tofu occasionally during marination.

– Avoid Metal Containers: While metal containers are generally fine for cooking, they can sometimes react with acidic ingredients in marinades, affecting the flavor.

Choose the equipment that best suits your marinating needs and enjoy the enhanced flavors of your tofu dishes!

Tip: you can get most of the sauce ingredients from a well stocked supermarket or Asian markets. 

How to add flavor to tofu 

Marinating tofu is a fantastic way to infuse it with flavor and elevate your dishes! Jump down to the recipe card to see my 5 family favorite recipes for tofu marinades that the whole family loves! Here’s a quick guide on what you can use to create tasty marinades:

1. Soy Sauce: This staple ingredient adds a savory umami punch to any simple tofu marinade recipe. Whether you use regular soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or tamari (a gluten-free option), it’s the base for many of the best tofu marinade recipes.

2. Vinegar: Different types of vinegar bring unique flavors. Rice vinegar is mild and slightly sweet, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to the tasty tofu. You can even use balsamic for a richer taste.

3. Citrus Juice: Lemon or lime juice brightens up your marinade with a zesty flavor. It also helps tenderize the tofu and adds a refreshing note.

4. Sweeteners: A bit of sweetness balances out the savory and tangy elements. Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar are great choices to add depth and a touch of sweetness.

5. Oils: Oils like sesame, avocado, or olive add richness and help carry the flavors. Toasted sesame oil, in particular, imparts a wonderful nutty aroma.

6. Spices and Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs and spices are key to customizing your marinade. Garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme can transform your tofu’s flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to add lots of seasonings to the tofu. Chinese cuisine calls for a flavorful tofu. 

More ways to add flavor

7. Hot Sauces and Pastes: For a spicy kick, incorporate hot sauces or pastes like sriracha, Thai red curry paste, or gochujang. These add heat and a burst of flavor. If you love a spicy easy tofu recipe just add a bit of hot sauce or chili sauce to the delicious tofu as it marinates. The spicy sauce is my go-to recipe when I crave spicy takeout-inspired recipes. Alternatively, you can add red pepper flakes, red chilies, or sichuan peppercorns to the flavor-rich sauce.

8. Liquids: Don’t forget to include some liquid to help distribute the flavors. You can use water, vegetable broth, or even coconut milk for a richer taste.

Most of the ingredients are easy to get at Korean markets or a well stocked grocery store. You can make the marinades in advance, and use the marinade sauce for your favorite side dishes, as a bbq sauce for grilling vegetables over an open flame or gas grill, frying in a cast iron skillet, as well as to marinate everything from tofu to Korean pear. These easy tofu marinades are very versatile for lots of different ingredients.

To get started, mix and match these ingredients based on what you have and your taste preferences. Marinate your tofu for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it sit overnight. This will allow the tofu to soak up all those delicious flavors and become a highlight of your meal. Happy marinating!

How long can you marinate tofu

You can marinate tofu for various lengths of time depending on how intense you want the flavor to be:

1. Minimum Time: For a quick flavor boost, marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes. This allows the tofu to absorb some of the marinade, making it more flavorful.

2. Ideal Time: For optimal flavor, marinate tofu for 1 to 4 hours. This gives the tofu enough time to fully soak up the flavors.

3. Extended Time: If you have the time, marinating tofu overnight (up to 24 hours) in the refrigerator will give it a deep, rich flavor. Just make sure the tofu is covered to prevent it from drying out.

4. Maximum Time: While you can marinate tofu for up to 48 hours, keep in mind that the texture may start to change slightly. For best results, try to use it within the recommended marinating times.

In general, longer marination times lead to more intense flavors, but even a short marinade can make a noticeable difference in taste.

The easiest way to make tofu 

Here are the easiest methods to cook crispy tofu:

    1.    Baking:

    •    Prep: Coat tofu cubes with oil and cornstarch.

    •    Cook: Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400ºF (200ºC) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you the best crispy crust baked tofu recipe.

    2.    Air-Frying:

    •    Prep: Toss tofu cubes with a little oil and cornstarch.

    •    Cook: Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF (200ºC) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

    3.    Pan-Frying:

    •    Prep: Coat tofu cubes with oil and cornstarch.

    •    Cook: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.

    4.    Deep-Frying:

    •    Prep: Coat tofu with oil and cornstarch or flour.

    •    Cook: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry tofu cubes until golden and crispy, about 4-6 minutes, then drain on paper towels.

Each method will give you crispy tofu, so pick the one that best suits your kitchen setup!

Easy tofu marinade ingredients 

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients for each tofu marinade:

1. Classic tofu Chinese recipe Marinade: You’ll need soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, minced fresh garlic, grated ginger, and a bit of neutral oil. This classic easy marinated tofu recipe infuses the tofu with delicious flavors. It’s great for stir fry and so much more.

2. Korean BBQ Marinade: Use syrup or honey, soy sauce, water, onion powder, ground ginger, lemon juice, and some hot chili paste or flakes for spice. This Asian marinade is deliciously sweet, savory, and is a perfect way to season tofu. It’s delicious with other Korean food dishes that goes well with Korean BBQ sauce. Use the leftover marinade to add to the grill pan, and consider adding shiitake mushrooms, green onions, and the marinated tofu. The ingredients will soak up all the delicious Korean marinade flavors. 

3. Orange Marinade: Gather toasted sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red chili flakes (optional), fresh orange juice, brown sugar, tamari, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Save the leftover Asian sesame oil marinade and add it to your favorite dishes. 

4. Teriyaki Marinade: Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and cornstarch.

5. Tofu Curry Marinade: Mix Thai Red Curry paste, maple syrup, tamari, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and tamarind paste.

Just mix and match these simple ingredients to create delicious marinades for your tofu!

Marinade for tofu: best 5 marinades for tofu and more 

Transform your tofu with these five fantastic marinades! Each recipe infuses the tofu with unique flavors, perfect for any dish. Simply marinate your tofu, then follow the easy cooking instructions to achieve crispy, flavorful results. Whether you’re craving Chinese, Korean BBQ, a zesty orange kick, classic teriyaki, or a curry twist, you’ll find a marinade to suit your taste.

For the tofu ingredients:

• 1 14 ounce (400g) block extra firm tofu, pressed*
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon low sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons (29 g) cornstarch

Marinade for Tofu Chinese recipe

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 9 grams)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) dried ginger
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) neutral oil, such as sunflower oil, canola, or avocado

Korean bbq marinade recipe

• 1 cup (240 ml) syrup or honey 
• 1 cup (240 ml) soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon (3 grams) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons (20 grams) hot chili paste, or 1-2 teaspoons dried chili flakes

Low sodium tofu marinade: orange tofu recipe 

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• ½” knob of ginger, peeled and grated
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (236 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice, strained to remove seeds (or use organic orange juice)
• 1/3 cup (55 g) loosely packed brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) reduced-sodium tamari
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (about 1small orange)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Tofu Teriyaki marinade 

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar or maple syrup, agave
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9 grams) or 3 teaspoons (9 grams) garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons (8 grams) sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons (5 grams) cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water

Tofu marinade curry recipe 

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Thai Red Curry paste or Gochujang paste
• 1 ½ tablespoons (30 grams) maple syrup or agave, to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tamari or soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil (optional)
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced (about 9 grams)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) minced or grated ginger
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened nondairy milk or coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) tamarind paste
• 2-4 tablespoons water, if needed to make the sauce less thick

How to make tofu marinade 

How to marinade tofu step-by-step:

Marinate the tofu: Put the pressed tofu pieces into a dish (an 8 x 8-inch dish works well for one batch). Pour the marinade over the tofu, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover the dish and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For even more flavor, you can leave it to marinate overnight.

How to cook marinated tofu

Pan fried tofu:

Cook the tofu: Heat a few tablespoons of neutral oil, like canola oil, in a large skillet—cast iron is ideal—over medium-high heat. If you prefer to skip the oil, make sure to use a high-quality non-stick pan to prevent sticking. Take the tofu pieces out of the marinade (but don’t throw the marinade away) and place them in the hot pan. Cook the tofu until each side is golden brown.

After the tofu is nicely browned, pour the remaining marinade into the pan. Stir the tofu to ensure it’s fully coated—this will boost the flavor! The tofu will quickly soak up the sauce. Once that happens, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the tofu with rice and stir-fried vegetables like baby bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots for a delicious meal.

How to make Baked tofu 

Arrange the marinated tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes, then flip the cubes and bake for an additional 20 minutes. For added flavor, you can quickly sauté the baked tofu in a skillet with the reserved marinade.

Air fryer tofu instructions 

Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 400ºF for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tofu is golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve the tofu on a plate and drizzle with the reserved marinade. Enjoy!

Tofu marinade flavor variations 

Marinade for Tofu:

1. Classic Soy-Garlic: Mix ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes.

2. Spicy Sriracha: Combine ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Marinate tofu for 30 minutes.

3. Lemon-Tahini: Whisk together ¼ cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 minced garlic clove. Marinate tofu for 30 minutes.

4. Teriyaki: Blend ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp miso, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Marinate tofu for 30 minutes.

5. Herb-Balsamic: Mix ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Marinate tofu for 30 minutes.

Instructions: Combine all ingredients for your chosen marinade, add tofu, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Cook tofu as desired. Enjoy!

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Marinade for tofu extra Tips

Make it a meal

Serve with:

• Portobello steaks
• Celeriac steak
• Vegan nuggets 
• Easy vegan roast 
• Tofu roast

And add a delicious salad like:

• Easy vegan Greek salad 
• Vegan Spanish bean salad 
• Roasted fennel and tomatoes salad
• Easy quick couscous salad 
• Couscous with roasted carrots and Dukkah 

And serve with a tasty bread like:

• Vegan garlic bread 
• Easy quick naan bread 
• 1-hour yeast less focaccia bread

More delicious sauces you might like

• Copycat Arbys Red Ranch Sauce
• Easy Vietnamese Peanut sauce
• Easy Gluten Free Ponzu Sauce
• 10 Easy Hot Pot Dipping Sauces
• Japanese Hibachi Brown Sauce
• Best Quick Chinese Stir Fry Sauce
• Homemade Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce