Name: Rosemary Coffee Marinated Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 6 h 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 14 ounces Extra Firm Tofu; 1 cup Coffee; 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary; 2 cloves Garlic; 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

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Introduction

This Rosemary Coffee Marinated Tofu offers a unique blend of earthy coffee and fragrant rosemary flavors, creating a deliciously savory and slightly sweet plant-based dish. Perfect for tofu lovers looking to elevate their meals with a creative marinade.

A thick, grilled brown tofu block with light grill marks on top sits centered on a bed of yellow and light brown cooked quinoa with a slightly fluffy texture. Two small green rosemary sprigs rest on the tofu, adding a touch of color. In the background, out of focus, there is a cluster of fresh, bright green leafy broccoli placed on a white round plate. The plate is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 ounces Extra Firm Tofu
1 cup Coffee
2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
2 cloves Garlic
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the extra firm tofu into slices approximately the size and thickness of a deck of playing cards. Lay the slices on several layers of paper towels, then cover them with more paper towels. Place a baking sheet on top and add a heavy plate or pan to press out excess moisture.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine coffee, fresh rosemary, garlic cloves, brown sugar, salt, and ground black pepper to create the marinade. Place the pressed tofu in a sealable dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 6 hours to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated tofu slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Finish cooking the tofu on a grill, panini press, or in a saucepan for a lightly browned exterior. On a grill or panini press set to medium-high heat, cook each side for about 2 minutes. Alternatively, heat a small amount of oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and cook the tofu slices 2 minutes per side.
Step 5: Serve the tofu warm as a main dish or in sandwiches and salads. Enjoy the rich, herbaceous, and slightly sweet flavors!

Tips & Variations

Pressing the tofu thoroughly helps achieve a firmer texture and better marinade absorption.
For a smoky touch, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Marinate the tofu overnight for even deeper flavor infusion.

Storage

Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the tofu from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

A grilled square piece of tofu with light brown grill marks sits on top of a small bed of cooked quinoa that has a mix of white and reddish grains. The tofu is garnished with two small green rosemary sprigs placed on its top center. In the blurred background, there are green leafy vegetables on the white plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee or espresso?

Regular brewed coffee works best as it offers balanced flavor without being too concentrated. Espresso can be too intense and may overpower the marinade.

Is it necessary to bake the tofu before grilling?

Baking the tofu first helps it firm up and absorb the marinade, making it less likely to fall apart during grilling. You can skip baking but expect a softer texture.