A plate with baked tofu arranged neatly

Basic Tofu Marinade

The Best Basic Tofu Marinade (Easy & Flavorful!)

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to infuse flavor into tofu, this basic tofu marinade is the perfect place to start! This basic tofu marindae is made with a simple blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, and warming spices like ground ginger and garlic powder, this marinade turns plain tofu into a savory, slightly sweet, and well-balanced protein for any meal.

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Great Recipes to Pair with This Basic Tofu Marinade

Looking for the perfect dish to serve with your marinated tofu? Try it with these delicious recipes:

  • Crispy Coconut Rice Salad – A refreshing and crispy salad that pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet tofu.
  • Pad Thai – This classic noodle dish is elevated with flavorful marinated tofu.
  • The Peanut Bowl – A nourishing and protein-packed bowl featuring tofu, veggies, and a creamy peanut sauce.
  • The Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables– If you’re looking to pair this tofu with something extra healthy, this is it!

Why You’ll Love This Basic Tofu Marinade

  • Quick & Easy – Just whisk the ingredients together and let your tofu soak up all the delicious flavors.
  • Perfect for Any Dish – Use this marinated tofu in stir-fries, grain bowls, salads, or even air-fried or baked on its own.
  • Customizable – You can adjust the flavors to your liking or add extra ingredients like chili flakes for heat or sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
  • Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – Just swap the soy sauce for tamari if needed!
The picture shows a plate of golden brown, baked tofu
Golden, flavorful, and perfectly baked—this marinated tofu is a delicious addition to any meal!

How to Use This Tofu Marinade

This versatile tofu works well in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Sandwiches & Wraps – Stuff into a sandwich or wrap for a delicious lunch option.

Stir-fries – Add your marinated tofu to a veggie-packed stir-fry for an easy dinner.

Grain bowls – Serve with rice or quinoa, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Salads – Add the tofu on top of a fresh salad for an extra boost of plant-based protein.

FAQ

How long should I marinate tofu? For the best flavor, marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a few hours or overnight will make the flavors even richer.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger? Absolutely! Fresh ginger adds a more vibrant, zesty flavor. Use about 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger.

Can I freeze marinated tofu? Yes! Marinated tofu can be frozen, but the texture will change slightly, becoming more porous and chewy. This can actually help it absorb even more flavor when cooked.

Can I reuse the marinade? For food safety reasons, it’s best to discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw tofu. If you’d like extra sauce, set some aside before adding the tofu.

Can I reheat the tofu? Yes, my preferred method is to throw it in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes.

This simple and flavorful tofu marinade is a game-changer for plant-based meals! Whether you’re new to cooking tofu or a seasoned pro, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and finding your favorite way to enjoy marinated tofu!


Basic Tofu Marinade

Course: Dinner, Pantry StaplesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep Time

5

minutes
Calories

95

kcal
Total Time

25

minutes

A simple and flavorful tofu marinade made with soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and warming spices like ginger and garlic, perfect for any dish!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1.5 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 block of firm tofu, pressed

Directions

  • Press the tofu – Start by pressing your block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. You can do this by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes.
  • Prepare the marinade – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
  • Marinate the tofu – Slice or cube the tofu and place it in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the tofu and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for even more flavor).
  • Cook the tofu – You can pan-fry, bake, air-fry, or even grill the tofu, depending on how you’d like to use it! My preferred method is to bake the tofu at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Notes

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