This smoky bold slightly spicy one skillet dish will be ready in less than 15 minutes. Once ready you can simply toss with fried rice, veggie stir-fry or top a salad, grain bowl or stuff in a burrito or taco. Use a cast iron skillet to maximize the char.
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Why this recipe works
- A quick and easy protein packed food that provides a wonderful accompaniment for a myriad of meal choices.
- Delicious flavor with bold and vibrant spices
- Tofu is an excellent source of protein and one of few foods that contain all nine essential amino acids as well as rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and Vitamin B1.
Ingredients for this recipe
For the Tofu:
- Tofu: an excellent source of protein and one of few foods that contain all nine essential amino acids as well as rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and Vitamin B1.
- Soy sauce: choose from low-sodium, tamari, coconut aminos and liquid aminos.
- Olive oil
For the blackening seasoning:
- Paprika: can use regular or smoked. I prefer the smoked as I feel it added more depth to the flavor.
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Basil
How to make this recipe
- First, remove as much moisture as possible from tofu. Pat dry with several paper towels. The more moisture you can remove the crispier your tofu will be. You can also use a Tofu Press, but it is not necessary. I do not use one and my tofu comes out great.
2. Next, cut tofu in small ½ inch pieces.
3. While waiting combine the soy sauce, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, basil, and olive oil in medium size bowl. Whisk well. Hand toss tofu pieces into mixture and coat each piece well.
4. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add tofu pieces and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until it has blackened and is crunchy.
FAQ and expert tips
What is blackened tofu?
Blackened tofu is a cooking technique using a bold spice blend and cooking in a high heat pan to create a wonderful blackened crust on your tofu.
What is blackening made of?
Primarily a mixture of chili powders, spices and herbs such as oregano, basil and thyme.
Is blackening spice the same as Cajun?
Blackening is very similar to Cajun and in fact it is much like a combination of Cajun and Creole, so if you like those style you should like blackening seasoning.
How do you use blackening seasoning?
Blackened grilled tofu goes great as a vegetarian topper for rice, steamed or roasted veggies, quinoa, salads, tacos. Blackening also goes well with fish.
Looking for other delicious tofu recipes
Vegan Blackened Grilled Tofu
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
Preparing tofu
- 1 16 oz block extra-firm tofu
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Preparing blackening seasoning
- 1½ tbsp paprika mild or smoked
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp basil
Instructions
- First, remove as much moisture as possible from tofu. Pat dry with several paper towels. The more moisture you can remove the crispier your tofu will be. You can also use a Tofu Press, but it is not necessary. I do not use one and my tofu comes out great.
- Next, cut tofu in small ½ inch pieces.
- While waiting combine the soy sauce, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, basil, and olive oil in medium size bowl. Whisk well. Hand toss tofu pieces into mixture and coat each piece well.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add tofu pieces and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until it has blackened and is crunchy.
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