Pin A savory, plant-based main featuring golden tofu steaks, tender broccoli, and earthy shiitake mushrooms in a flavorful soy-garlic sauce.
I first tried this tofu steak recipe on a weeknight when I wanted something quick yet special. The crispy tofu paired with a rich sauce makes it a regular in my kitchen.
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
- Prepare tofu:
- Pat tofu dry and cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick steaks. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dust lightly with cornstarch.
- Sauté tofu:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu steaks and sauté for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate and cover.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 2 minutes. Add shiitake mushrooms (and bell pepper, if using), cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
- Make sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, water, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
- Combine and thicken:
- Pour sauce into pan with vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Add cornstarch slurry, stir until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Finish dish:
- Return tofu steaks to pan, spoon sauce and vegetables over tofu, warm through for 1 minute. Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onion.
Pin This tofu steak is even a hit at family dinners where my relatives enjoy adding extra sauce and a bowl of rice. It is colorful and fun for everyone to share.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed jasmine rice, soba noodles, or pair it with a crisp dry white wine for a complete meal.
Ingredient Swaps
Broccoli can be replaced with broccolini or green beans, and you can marinate tofu in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil for extra flavor.
Required Tools
Large nonstick skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, small mixing bowl, and tongs or spatula are needed for best results.
Pin This plant-based steak is just right for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Enjoy every bite with extra garnishes, if you like.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve a crispy tofu steak?
Press tofu firmly to remove excess moisture, then lightly dust with cornstarch before sautéing in hot oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- → Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, broccolini or green beans make excellent alternatives, maintaining similar texture and flavor profiles.
- → What sauce ingredients enhance the tofu's flavor?
A combination of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil creates a balanced savory and slightly sweet glaze.
- → Is it necessary to marinate the tofu?
Marinating tofu in soy sauce and sesame oil for 15 minutes boosts flavor but is optional if pressed and seasoned well before cooking.
- → What tools are best for cooking this dish?
A large nonstick skillet is ideal for evenly sautéing tofu and vegetables without sticking or breaking apart.