Easy Lemon Basil Tofu
User Reviews
5
Easy Lemon Basil Tofu
Description
This recipe starts by slicing extra firm tofu into triangles, then pan-frying them alongside sautéed onion and bell pepper. Minced garlic and ginger add aromatic depth during cooking. A sauce made from soy sauce, lemon juice, and agave or maple syrup is poured over the tofu and vegetables, infusing tangy and sweet elements. Fresh basil leaves are stirred in toward the end, contributing herbal brightness.
The tofu texture is enhanced by optionally freezing and thawing before cooking, which creates a chewier, more tender bite. Cooking times can be adjusted depending on whether you prefer your vegetables tender-crisp or softer.
Easy Lemon Basil Tofu is nicely served over brown rice but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish. The fresh lemon and basil combination gives it a distinct flavor profile not commonly found in standard tofu preparations.
Cutting the tofu into triangles or preferred shapes and adjusting vegetable cuts can affect the sauce absorption and overall dish consistency.
Ingredients
- 1 extra firm tofu 16-ounce package
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ large yellow onion sliced, or red onion
- 1 small green bell pepper sliced, or red bell pepper
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- ¼ cup basil packed leaves
- brown rice optional
Instructions
- Turn the tofu onto its side lengthwise and cut it into slices. Then, cut those slices into 2 triangles. This should yield between 8-16 triangles.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, and agave or maple syrup. Set aside.
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the garlic and ginger and saute for 1 more minute.
- Place the tofu slices directly onto the pan (scoot the veggies out of the way with a spatula) and cook for 1 minute on each side.
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture and add in the basil, cook for 3 minutes, flip the tofu slices over and cook for 3 more minutes.
- Serve over brown rice (optional).
Notes
- For a firmer, more tender tofu texture, freeze and thaw the tofu before cooking.
- Adjust cooking times to achieve your preferred texture for vegetables—either tender-crisp or softer.
- Cut vegetables and tofu into shapes that suit your desired consistency; this affects how the dish cooks and absorbs sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 171 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 171kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Sodium | 1178mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 405mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 882IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 43mg | 48% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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