Easy Tofu Casserole

The ingredients

You will need these ingredients to make this tofu casserole

NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS

Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for this recipe as it holds its shape well and crisps up nicely when grilled.

If you prefer a softer tofu texture, you can use firm or even medium-firm tofu.

Canola Oil: Canola oil is chosen for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which makes it suitable for grilling the tofu and sautéing the vegetables.

You can substitute it with other high-heat cooking oils like vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These powdered seasonings add a convenient burst of flavor to the dish. Adjust the amounts to your taste preferences.

Chili Powder: Add the Tex-Mex flavor to the dish.

Salsa: Choose mild or spicy.

Onion and Colored Bell Peppers: These vegetables provide a wonderful flavor base and add color to the dish. Feel free to use any bell pepper colors you like or have on hand.

Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a savory and earthy flavor to the casserole.

Green onion

Fresh Cilantro

See recipe card for quantities

How to male the Tofu Casserole; Step by Step

Heat 1 tablespoon of Canola oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium high heat. Add the tofu cubes and spices and grill them until they become crispy on the outside, which should take about 8 minutes. Remove the crispy tofu from the skillet and set it aside.

Toss in all the chopped vegetables (onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms) and sauté them until they become tender. This typically takes about 10 minutes.

Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the tofu mixture in the skillet and then place the pan under the broiler for about  2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted and bubbly.

Finish by garnishing the casserole with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions.

Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips

Here are some tips to make your Tofu Casserole even better:

Press the block of Tofu: Before cubing, press it to remove excess moisture. This will help it get crispy on the outside. Place the tofu between paper towels or use a tofu press.

Spice it Up: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a smoky and spicy flavor. Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your palate.

Broiling Time: Keep a close eye on the broiler when melting the cheese to avoid burning it. The cheese should be golden and bubbling, but not charred.

Serving

The casserole can be served as a standalone dish, especially if it's loaded with a variety of vegetables. It's nutritious and filling on its own.

You can serve it as a side dish alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes like rice and beans, guacamole, or tortillas.

Consider serving it over cooked white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa to make it even heartier and turn it into a complete meal.

A simple side salad with fresh greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette can complement the casserole nicely.

Toppings: Offer additional toppings like hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream on the side.

Storage

Refrigeration:

Allow any leftover casserole to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.

Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to store the casserole for a longer period, freezing is a great way to keep it for a longer time..

Portion the casserole into individual servings or store it as a whole, depending on your preference.

Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Label the containers with the date of freezing to keep track of freshness.

Frozen tofu can change texture, so expect it to become somewhat crumbly when thawed.

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