Easy Tofu Marinade Recipe

This easy tofu marinade recipe is a must try. It transforms tofu into a crave-worthy dinner or lunch. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you like tofu, give this simple marinade recipe a try.

Tofu is naturally bland and soaks up flavors like a sponge, which is why it’s perfect for marinating. It’s a staple in vegan and vegetarian diets and is loaded with protein and essential nutrients.

What to serve with this easy tofu marinade

If you’re looking for a dish to serve with tofu, try these delicious vegan rice noodles. They’re easy to make and tasty.

Triangular cut cooked, marinated tofu pieces in a bowl.

Ingredients and substitutions

Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor to this easy tofu marinade. For a gluten-free version you can easily substitute tamari, which is just gluten-free soy sauce.

I like to use fresh ginger and fresh garlic in this simple marinade for tofu, but you can substitute jarred chopped garlic and ginger if you prefer. Or you can substitute garlic powder and ground ginger instead, in which case you should reduce the amount to half a teaspoon each.

Maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to this marinade that balance the other flavors. You can substitute honey if you prefer (or agave).

Smooth, natural peanut butter adds richness and flavor to this marinade. You can substitute almond butter if you prefer, or just omit it altogether for a nut-free version.

A pinch of dried chili flakes adds a little spice to this marinade. You can omit this if you prefer. Or you can substitute fresh, finely chopped chili peppers. Or a teaspoon of sriracha sauce would be a delicious alternative.

How to make it

Add the soy sauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and dried chili flakes (optional) to a bowl.

Ingredients for a marinade in a white bowl.

Use a whisk to mix well.

Thick brown marinade in a white bowl.

Use immediately to marinate tofu, or store the marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This recipe makes enough marinade for one block of tofu (4-5 servings).

Tofu marinating in a large glass bowl.

How long should you marinate tofu?

Tofu should marinate for a minimum of thirty minutes up to a maximum of twenty-four hours. If you have the time, at least an hour or two is ideal.

How to cook marinated tofu

My favorite method of cooking tofu once it’s done marinating is to bake it in the oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes is perfect). Or you can grill it on the barbecue or cook it in a bit of coconut oil in a pan on the stovetop.

Optional additions

Give this easy tofu marinade an extra flavor boost by adding one teaspoon of curry powder, if desired.

More vegan recipes to try

Cooked tofu pieces in a white bowl.

Easy Tofu Marinade Recipe

This easy tofu marinade recipe is loaded with flavor from fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and peanut butter. If you're on the fence about whether or not you like tofu, this easy recipe is a must try.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 68.3kcal

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons smooth, natural peanut butter (omit for a nut-free marinade)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or substitute honey)
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
  • Pinch of dried chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the soy sauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to a bowl.
  • Use a whisk to mix well.
  • Use immediately to marinate tofu, or store the marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Notes

  • This easy tofu marinade makes enough for one block of tofu (4-5 servings).
  • Optional addition: 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
  • Tofu should marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes up to a maximum of 24 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 68.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2.8g | Fat: 4.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.1g | Sodium: 504.7mg | Potassium: 80.1mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 0.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 12.6mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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