Garlic Ginger Asian Tofu Marinade

This Asian tofu marinade is just one of the many delicious ways to marinate tofu. There are so many ways to add flavor and texture to a dish with tofu, it really can morph into anything you desire. It can even be dessert!

With all the fancy vegan meat alternatives available nowadays, sometimes it’s nice to keep it simple with tasty and tantalizing tofu. This recipe for ginger garlic tofu is likely to find itself on regular rotation throughout the week and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you!

Why Cook With Tofu

Tofu is such a wonderful food for vegan cooking because it takes on the flavor of whatever you season it with and can take on various textures depending on how it’s prepared and what type of tofu you’re using.

Want savory and sweet? This ginger garlic asian tofu marinade is for you. Like a little spice? Bust out the pepper! Dreaming of deep-fried? Batter up! There are so many different (and delicious) ways to enjoy and prepare this awesome vegan superfood.

This recipe calls for extra firm tofu, which is commonly used for making stir-fries and frying. If you’d like to learn more about all things tofu, check out our comprehensive tofu guide!

Tofu Benefits

Tofu is a great and super tasty way to get your daily dose of amino acids, protein, and other nutrients. One 3.5-ounce serving of tofu contains 8 grams of protein, 31% of the recommended amount of manganese, and high levels of calcium, selenium, phosphorus, and more.

It’s also naturally gluten-free so if you can’t do seitan, tofu makes an amazing and nutritious substitute. If you can’t do soy, you could always try Burmese tofu!

Star Ingredients

This recipe for asian tofu marinade comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients! Here are the main ingredients you’ll need plus some quick substitutions:

•  Extra-firm tofu: Extra firm and super-firm tofu are perfect for marinating. These firmer tofus are denser and hold less excess moisture, meaning they’ll absorb more of the marinade. Plus, they hold their shape better during the cooking process.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic cloves add tons of flavor to this savory dish! For a quick substitute, try garlic powder.
• Fresh ginger: Grated fresh ginger pairs perfectly with garlic to add complexity to the dish and create a unique flavor profile that takes this Asian tofu marinade to the next level!
• Soy sauce: For an umami, salty flavor, soy sauce is a must! If you need a soy-free and gluten-free option, try liquid aminos.
• Lemon: For some acidity, lemon juice packs the perfect punch. Lemon brightens and balances the flavors, making this asian style marinade irresistible!
• Brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness, brown sugar adds just the right amount. Maple syrup or agave syrup can also be used.
• Green onions: Great in both the marinade and for garnishing!

How To Make Marinated Asian Tofu

Step One: Slice tofu into triangles or cubes. For triangles, cut tofu into ⅓ inch thick triangular slices. Transfer to a large casserole dish, and set aside.

How To Serve Tofu

Excited to dig into your tofu but aren’t sure how exactly to enjoy it? Well, lucky you, we’ve got plenty of awesome suggestions ahead! One of the best things about tofu is how well it goes with so many different foods. It’s perfect for batch cooking to enjoy throughout the week and freezes wonderfully. So without further ado, here are our rockin’ recommendations:

• Never Enough Noodles – Noodles and tofu go together like, well, noodles and tofu! The savory, fluffy, comforting texture of noodles pairs perfectly with the more meaty, garlicky ginger tofu. There’s really not much better for a weeknight or weekend pick-me-up than this Teriyaki Stir Fry Over Noodles. If you can’t get enough peanut, these Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce are an awesome option. Gluten-free? Just substitute with your choice of noodle or keep it simple with this tasty Asian Zucchini Noodle Bowl.
• Get a Little Green – Trying to keep it a little lighter? We’ve got you covered! Our Sizzling Chinese Green Beans or Spicy Sesame Sautéed Kale will both go great with your ginger garlic tofu! If you’re a salad connoisseur, check out our Vegan Superhero Salad Guide.
• Rice Is Nice – Rice is a great way to enjoy your marinated asian tofu. Whether you like white, brown, or cauliflower rice, there’s really no way to go wrong, especially when you’re making a buddha bowl. Bon appétit!
• Soup’s On – If you’re craving a big, warm bowl of some tantalizing soup, then there are so many options for which you can enjoy your tofu. Red Curry Noodle Soup, Thai Vermicelli Noodle Soup, and Ten-Minute Miso Noodle Soup will all make your belly bellow with joy. If you’re looking for a puréed soup, this Beet and Ginger Soup will hit the spot!