This Herb-Marinated Seared Tofu transforms plain tofu into a flavorful, protein-rich centerpiece that even meat lovers will appreciate. The secret lies in a vibrant marinade packed with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, combined with garlic, lemon, and olive oil that infuses every bite with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. After marinating, the tofu gets seared to perfection, creating a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. This versatile dish works beautifully as a main course served with roasted vegetables, tossed into salads, or sliced for sandwiches and grain bowls. The recipe serves 4 people as a main dish and takes just 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus marinating time.
Tofu and Base Ingredients
- 2 blocks (28 ounces total) extra-firm tofu
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Herb Mixture
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Searing
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Preparing the Tofu
Start by removing the tofu from its packaging and draining all the liquid. Place the tofu blocks on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Cover with another towel and place something heavy on top, like a cast iron pan or a few books. Let the tofu press for at least 15 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy sear and helping the marinade penetrate the tofu.
Once pressed, cut each block of tofu into slices about 3/4 inch thick. You should get about 6-8 slices per block. Pat the slices dry once more with paper towels to ensure they are as moisture-free as possible.
Making the Herb Marinade
In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, whisking to incorporate everything evenly.
Add all the fresh herbs and red pepper flakes to the marinade mixture. Stir everything together until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. The marinade should smell fragrant and vibrant with all the fresh herb aromas.
Marinating the Tofu
Place the tofu slices in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated on both sides. If using a shallow dish, you may need to flip the tofu halfway through marinating to ensure even coverage. For best results, let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, though 2-4 hours in the refrigerator will give you even more flavor.
Turn the tofu slices every 30 minutes if possible to ensure the marinade penetrates evenly. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your tofu will become, but even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference.
Searing the Tofu to Perfection
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. Remove the tofu slices from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, but do not pat them completely dry as you want some of the herb mixture to stick to the surface.
Carefully place the tofu slices in the hot pan, leaving space between each piece to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden brown crust to form. You should hear gentle sizzling throughout the cooking process.
Finishing the Searing Process
Flip the tofu slices carefully using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until golden brown and crispy. If desired, add the butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking, tilting the pan to coat the tofu with the melted butter for extra richness and flavor.
Remove the seared tofu from the pan and let it rest on a serving platter for 2-3 minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to settle and ensures the best texture when serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve the herb-marinated seared tofu immediately while it is still warm and crispy. The tofu pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers. It also works wonderfully over a bed of quinoa, rice, or mixed greens for a complete meal.
For a Mediterranean-style presentation, serve alongside roasted tomatoes, cucumber salad, and warm pita bread. The tofu can also be sliced and used in sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Leftover seared tofu will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be enjoyed cold in salads or gently reheated in a skillet. The marinated but unseared tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making this recipe perfect for meal prep.
To reheat, simply warm the tofu in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the tofu soggy and eliminate the crispy texture you worked to achieve. The herb marinade can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it easy to prepare this flavorful tofu whenever you need a quick, nutritious meal.
