Save to Pinterest Hearty tofu steaks, golden and crisp, paired with a vibrant medley of stir-fried frozen vegetables and fluffy rice—a quick, wholesome plant-based meal.
When I need a satisfying weeknight dinner, this tofu steak recipe always comes to mind because it requires minimal effort, yet feels special. It has been a favorite since I started experimenting with simple Asian-inspired dishes at home.
Ingredients
- Tofu Steaks: 400 g (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) frozen mixed vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, snap peas, bell peppers), 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- Rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) long-grain white or brown rice, 500 ml (2 cups) water, 1/2 tsp salt
- Garnishes (optional): 2 tbsp chopped spring onions, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes (white rice) or 30–35 minutes (brown rice), until tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Marinate the Tofu:
- Slice the pressed tofu into 4 thick steaks. In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Lay tofu steaks in the marinade, turning to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pan-Sear the Tofu:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed. Sear tofu steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Remove and keep warm.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add oil and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add frozen vegetables and cook over high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until hot and just tender. Splash in the soy sauce and toss to coat.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Plate a portion of rice, top with stir-fried vegetables, and place a tofu steak on top. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Making this meal always brings back memories of family dinners when everyone could build their own bowl with toppings and sauces they liked. The tofu steaks were the centerpiece everyone enjoyed together.
Required Tools
Saucepan with lid, non-stick skillet or grill pan, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls
Allergen Information
Contains soy (tofu, soy sauce), may contain gluten (soy sauce). Use tamari for gluten-free. Double-check packaged ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 18 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these tofu steaks hot with all your favorite garnishes for a genuinely satisfying, easy meal. It's perfect for busy nights but impressive enough for company.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you achieve crispy tofu steaks?
Press the tofu well to remove moisture, marinate it briefly for flavor, and sear on medium-high heat until golden on both sides.
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well but requires a longer cooking time (30-35 minutes) to become tender and fluffy.
- → What vegetables are best for stir-frying in this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers provide a vibrant texture and quick cooking time.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- → What garnishes complement the tofu steaks?
Chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes add fresh, nutty, and spicy notes to enhance the dish.