Roasted Tofu with Sticky Lemon Glaze

This roasted tofu is a vegan-friendly centerpiece, perfect for the holiday season! The sticky lemon and herb glaze is aromatic, sweet, and loaded with flavor.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 20

Marinating Time 8

Total Time 9 40

Servings serves

Calories 235kcal

Ingredients

16 oz extra-firm tofu 1 block; approx. 454 g; pressed 10 minutes

Glaze

1 whole lemon zest
2½ lemon juiced; approx. 3/4 cup or 180 mL
½ lemon slices from remaining lemon; for roasting and garnish; optional
4 cloves garlic minced; approx. 12 g
¼ cup raw sugar approx. 50 g
3 tbsp light soy sauce approx. 45 mL
2 tbsp brown rice syrup approx. 42 g
2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper cracked; optional

Optional for Garnish

1 sprig rosemary or thyme for garnish; optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, wrap the block of tofu in clean towels and press under a weight for 10 minutes to remove excess water.
In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, raw sugar, soy sauce, rice syrup, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves.
Place the pressed tofu on a cutting board and score a ½″-deep crosshatch on both top and bottom. Transfer tofu to a container or resealable bag, add lemon slices and pour ⅔ of the glaze over it. Marinate 2 hours (or up to overnight) in the fridge, turning once if you can.
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Arrange lemon slices in a single layer; set the tofu on top and brush with half of the remaining glaze. Roast 40 minutes.
Brush tofu with the last of the glaze, carefully flip onto fresh lemon slices, then roast another 30 minutes. For a caramelized top, switch oven to BROIL and broil 5–10 minutes more, watching closely.
Transfer to a platter, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, and serve warm.

Notes

If you have time, start this recipe the night before to marinate the tofu in the glaze (minimum 2 hours; up to overnight). Otherwise, simply brush and roast as directed—it will still be delicious.

Nutrition