Unbelievable 35-Min Garlic Butter Tofu Recipe!

No heading needs to be written for the introduction.

Okay, friends, gather ’round! Because I’m about to spill the beans (or, you know, the tofu) on my absolute *favorite* weeknight meal: the best ever garlic butter tofu! Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it here and there, and let me tell you, it’s reached peak deliciousness. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it’s so incredibly flavorful. Forget boring tofu – this is a flavor explosion you won’t believe!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Tofu

Listen, if you’re looking for a new go-to dinner, you’ve found it! This garlic butter tofu recipe has it all:

• Quick and Easy: Seriously, from fridge to table in under 35 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of savory garlic, rich butter (or vegan butter!), and a hint of lemon is pure magic. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
• Versatile Main Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite veggies. It’s also great in wraps or salads!
• Vegan-Friendly: Easily made vegan by using plant-based butter. Everyone can enjoy this amazing dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Garlic Butter Tofu

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – the ingredients! You won’t believe how simple this garlic butter tofu is. You’ll need a block of extra-firm tofu, a little olive oil for that perfect sear, and some fresh garlic (don’t even think about the jarred stuff!). Then, grab some butter (or vegan butter!), soy sauce, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. That’s it! Easy peasy.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, let’s talk about the stars of the show and how to make this garlic butter tofu truly shine. I’ve experimented *a lot* with different ingredients, so trust me on this!

Tofu: The Star of the Show

You absolutely *must* use extra-firm tofu for this recipe, friends. It holds its shape beautifully and gets that perfect crispy exterior.

Pressing the Tofu

Now, this is the *most* important step, and I cannot stress it enough! You HAVE to press the tofu to get rid of the excess water. I usually wrap my tofu block in a few paper towels, then put it between two plates and weigh it down with something heavy, like a cookbook or a cast iron skillet. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes, or even longer if you have time. The drier the tofu, the crispier it will get! You can also buy a tofu press, which is what I use now – game changer!

Butter: Vegan or Dairy

For the butter, you can use either dairy butter or vegan butter – totally up to you! I’ve made it both ways, and it’s delicious either way. Just make sure it’s good quality butter; it really makes a difference in the flavor. If you’re going vegan, there are some *amazing* plant-based butter options out there now that taste just like the real thing!

Soy Sauce: The Umami Powerhouse

Soy sauce brings that amazing umami flavor. I usually use regular soy sauce, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce. You might just need to add a pinch more salt at the end to compensate.

Garlic: Fresh is Best

Please, please, PLEASE use fresh garlic! I know, I know, jarred garlic is tempting for convenience, but trust me, fresh garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. Mince it finely (or use a garlic press if you have one!). That fresh, garlicky aroma while it’s cooking? Pure heaven!

Olive Oil: A Flavorful Base

I like to use olive oil to get the tofu nice and golden brown. It also adds a lovely flavor. You can use any neutral oil you like, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, but I think olive oil adds a little something special.

Lemon Juice: Adds Brightness

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole dish and balances the richness of the butter and garlic. Fresh is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work, too!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Irresistible Garlic Butter Tofu

Alright, let’s get cooking! This garlic butter tofu recipe is super simple, but the order of operations matters. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time. Don’t worry, even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ve totally got this!

Preparing the Tofu

First things first: we need to get that tofu ready. Remember how I said pressing it was key? Well, now’s the time! Take your pressed tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes. I usually aim for about 1-inch cubes, but you can go a little bigger or smaller depending on your preference. Just try to keep them relatively uniform so they cook evenly. This part is easy; just grab a sharp knife and get chopping! Be careful, though, and take your time. No need to rush.

Cooking the Tofu to Golden Perfection

Next up, we’re going to get that tofu nice and crispy. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (careful, it can splatter!), add your tofu cubes to the pan. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; you might need to cook them in batches. Cook the tofu, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and crispy on all sides. This will take about 10-12 minutes, depending on your stove and how crispy you like it. Don’t touch it too much at first; let it get a good sear before flipping.

Infusing the Flavor: The Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the tofu is cooked, we’re ready to make the magic happen! Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Careful, you don’t want to burn the garlic! Then, add the butter (or vegan butter) and let it melt. Swirl it around the pan to combine with the garlic.

Finishing Touches: Seasoning and Simmering

Now, pour in the soy sauce and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the cooked tofu back to the pan and gently toss to coat it in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, then taste and adjust as needed.

Timing is Key

You’ll know the tofu is done when it’s golden brown and crispy, and the sauce has thickened slightly. The whole cooking process should take around 20 minutes, including the sauce, but the exact time will depend on your stove and how crispy you like your tofu. Keep an eye on the pan, and don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Garlic Butter Tofu

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing garlic butter tofu, and now you’re wondering what to serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! It’s super versatile. I usually serve it over fluffy white rice, but it’s also amazing with brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also pair it with some steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Broccoli, green beans, or even a simple side salad work perfectly!

Tips for Success: Achieving the Best Garlic Butter Tofu

Want to make sure your garlic butter tofu is absolutely perfect? Here are a couple of my tried-and-true tips that I swear by! They really take this recipe to the next level.

Don’t Skip the Pressing

I know, I know, I’ve already mentioned it, but I can’t stress this enough: don’t skip the pressing! It’s the most crucial step in getting that crispy, golden-brown tofu we all crave. Trust me, it makes a *huge* difference in the texture. If you skip it, you’ll end up with soggy tofu, and nobody wants that!

Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking

Taste, taste, taste! While you’re simmering the sauce, be sure to give it a little taste test. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so you might want to add a little more soy sauce for extra saltiness, or a squeeze more lemon juice for brightness. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to perfectly suit your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Tofu

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my garlic butter tofu recipe. Hopefully, this clears up any confusion and helps you make the most delicious meal ever!

Can I use a different type of tofu?

While I highly recommend extra-firm tofu for the best results, you *can* experiment with other types. Firm tofu might work, but it will need extra pressing and might not get quite as crispy. Silken tofu won’t work at all; it’s way too soft. The key is to find tofu with a high protein content. If you’re using a different type of tofu, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You might need to cook it longer to get it nice and golden.

What can I serve with garlic butter tofu?

Oh, the possibilities! This garlic butter tofu is a champ when it comes to side dishes. Like I mentioned earlier, rice is a classic (and my personal favorite!), but you could also serve it with noodles (udon or soba would be amazing!), quinoa, or even mashed potatoes! For veggies, I love steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. Honestly, anything goes! It’s super versatile, so feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.

How do I store leftovers?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store your garlic butter tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be aware that the tofu might soften a bit over time. To reheat, you can either microwave it (though it won’t be as crispy), or, my favorite method, pan-fry it in a little bit of oil until it’s heated through and slightly crispy again. It’s still delicious the next day!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. You can press your tofu the day before (or even a couple of days before) and store it in the fridge. You can also measure out all of your ingredients, so they’re ready to go. However, I wouldn’t recommend making the entire dish ahead of time, as the tofu will lose some of its crispiness. But prepping the ingredients makes the whole process so much faster on a busy weeknight! It’s great for meal prepping.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Tofu

Okay, I know you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty details, right? Like, how many calories are in this amazing garlic butter tofu? Well, I’ve done my best to estimate the nutritional information for you, but please keep in mind that these are just estimates. The exact values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (especially the amount of oil!).

I’m going to give you some typical values based on a single serving, but if you’re really tracking your macros, I always recommend using a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

(I’m estimating here, folks!)

• Calories: Around 350
• Fat: About 25g
• Protein: Roughly 20g
• Carbohydrates: Around 10g
• Sugar: About 3g
• Sodium: Around 600mg

Remember, these numbers are just a starting point! You can always adjust the ingredients to fit your specific dietary needs. For example, if you’re trying to cut back on fat, you could use less oil or opt for a lower-fat vegan butter. And if you’re watching your sodium, definitely go for the low-sodium soy sauce! Enjoy!

Unbelievable 35-Min Garlic Butter Tofu Recipe!

---

• Author: folderfood
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Simple and delicious garlic butter tofu.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 block extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Press tofu to remove excess water.
2. Cut tofu into cubes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan.
4. Cook tofu until golden.
5. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. Add butter, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
7. Simmer until sauce thickens.
8. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

• Serve with rice or vegetables.
• Adjust soy sauce to your taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-fried
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Garlic butter tofu, tofu recipe, vegan, easy dinner