Save A savory, plant-based main featuring golden tofu steaks, tender broccoli, and earthy shiitake mushrooms in a flavorful soy-garlic sauce.
The first time I cooked tofu like this, I was amazed by how crispy the outside stayed while remaining plump inside. The colorful veggies not only looked appealing—they paired perfectly with the garlicky sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Tofu: 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Vegetables: 150 g (5 oz) broccoli florets, 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh shiitake mushrooms (stems removed and sliced), 1 small red bell pepper (sliced, optional for color)
- Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp mirin or dry sherry, 1 tbsp water, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water)
- Garnish: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 stalks green onion (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prep Tofu:
- Pat tofu dry and cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick steaks. Season with salt and pepper. Dust lightly with cornstarch.
- Sauté Tofu:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet over medium-high. Add tofu steaks and sauté for 4&4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to plate and cover.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to skillet. Add broccoli and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in shiitake mushrooms (and bell pepper if using). Cook 3&4 minutes until just tender.
- Make Sauce:
- Whisk soy sauce, mirin, water, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger in small bowl.
- Combine & Simmer:
- Pour sauce into pan with vegetables. Cook 1 minute. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened, about 1&2 minutes.
- Return Tofu & Finish:
- Return tofu steaks. Spoon sauce and vegetables over tofu. Warm through 1 minute.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion.
Save Whenever I serve this to my family, it disappears fast. Even tofu skeptics asked for seconds, happily spooning the sauce over their rice.
Required Tools
Large nonstick skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, small mixing bowl, tongs or spatula: these make prep and cooking easy.
Allergen Information
Contains soy (tofu& soy sauce). For gluten-free, swap for tamari. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 325, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 21 g
Save Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for crunch. Enjoy with steamed rice or soba, and pair with your favorite crisp white wine.
Kitchen Guide
- → How should tofu be prepared for best texture?
Pressing and drying the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to become golden and crisp when sautéed.
- → Can I substitute broccoli in this dish?
Yes, broccolini or green beans make great alternatives to broccoli without altering the flavor significantly.
- → What is the purpose of cornstarch in this dish?
Cornstarch is used to dust the tofu for crispiness and also to thicken the savory sauce, creating a glossy finish.
- → Is it necessary to marinate the tofu beforehand?
Marinating adds extra flavor but is optional; the sauce coating during cooking imparts sufficient taste.
- → What side dishes complement this meal?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or soba noodles to balance the savory and umami flavors.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, using tamari instead of soy sauce ensures a gluten-free preparation without compromising taste.