Soy Garlic Tofu Steak

Soy garlic tofu steak is a flavorful and savory vegetarian dish that showcases tofu as the main ingredient. The tofu is marinated in a soy garlic sauce and then pan-fried to create a delicious "steak-like" texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm or extra-firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tofu:
   • Drain the tofu from its packaging and gently press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Place a weight, like a heavy pan or a plate with some cans, on top of the tofu to aid in pressing.
2. Make the marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
3. Marinate the tofu:
   • Slice the pressed tofu into thick "steak-like" pieces. Make 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices.
   • Place the tofu slices in a shallow dish or a sealable plastic bag.
   • Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring all the pieces are well-coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. You can also marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
4. Pan-fry the tofu:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tofu slices into the pan, reserving the marinade for later.
   • Cook the tofu for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using a spatula to avoid breaking the tofu.
   • Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and coat the tofu with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve the soy garlic tofu steak:
   • Transfer the cooked tofu steaks to a serving dish.
   • Spoon any remaining sauce from the pan over the tofu.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
   • You can serve the soy garlic tofu steak as a main dish with rice or quinoa, alongside steamed vegetables, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Enjoy the savory and delicious soy garlic tofu steak! It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways and is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their meals.