Easy Balsamic Tofu

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Looking for an easy meal? Look no further than this Easy Balsamic Tofu recipe! This dish is simple to make and tastes delicious. Tofu is marinated in a balsamic marinade, then grilled or broiled until crispy. Serve this dish with rice and steamed vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe is my favorite way to prepare tofu!

Marinated balsamic tofu in a plate with asparagus and salad

I’m always on the hunt for quick weeknight dinners that can be prepared in advance. The last thing you want to do at 5:00pm is decided what you’re making for dinner. This Easy Marinated Balsamic Tofu recipe can be prepared almost entirely in advance.

There are two categories of tofu – silken or firm. They are both made with fresh curdled soy milk, which is pressed into blocks. The health benefits and nutrients, like extra calcium and protein, remain the same, and both neutral in taste making them versatile bases for flavor. However silken and firm tofu are processed differently and contain different amounts of water.

Silken tofu is soft and falls apart easily, and is best used in sauces or desserts. Firm tofu, also called regular or Chinese-style tofu, is the more common version and holds its shape much better when cooking. It can be bought at different consistencies like medium, firm, or extra firm. For this recipe, I'm using firm or extra-firm.

The ingredients

Firm or Extra firm tofu
Balsamic vinegar
oil
maple syrup
shallot
Mustard
Garlic

See recipe card for quantities

The preparation

An old pencil drawing of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting on their horses, by Wilhelm Marstrand.

Dry your tofu out as much as possible by pressing it firmly with a clean towel. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the tofu without being watered down. Add the marinade at least two hours in advance of dinner, or you can place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, put the tofu on the grill for 7-10 minutes per side. The tofu will develop grill marks, and become crispy on the outside.

Cooked tofu on a white plate with asparagus and salad

FAQS

What is the taste of this recipe?

The balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard create a delicious sweet and tangy flavor, while the shallots and garlic add depth of flavor.

How do I store the Easy Balsamic tofu?

This dish can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stove on medium heat before serving.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this recipe can be made in advance. The tofu can be marinated up to two days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Grill or broil the tofu when you are ready to serve. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be reheated in the oven or on the stove.

What can I serve with the Balsamic tofu?

It can be served with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips

The marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

If you are short on time, you can cook the tofu in a pan on the stove instead of grilling it

Variations

You can add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the marinade to replace the salt

You can replace the maple syrup with honey

You can replace de shallots with a small onion

If you want to change up the flavors of this dish, try using different types of vinegar or changing the sweetener. You could also add some fresh herbs to the marinade for a different flavor profile. Be creative and experiment until you find a combination that you love.

Oven instructions

Press tofu with paper towels to remove as much water as possible. You can also use a tofu press if you have one.
On a cutting board, cut the Tofu into about ½ inch slices
In a small bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients to make the simple marinade
Coat the tofu well with the marinade and let marinate in a large bowl for at least 2 hours or overnight
Place the tofu on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper and cook at 400˚F for 20 minutes