Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu is a delightful dish that showcases caramelized tofu glazed with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. This vegan brown sugar tofu is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, ensuring a delightful experience every time.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

This brown sugar tofu recipe offers numerous benefits that will make you want to add it to your weekly meal rotation. First, it combines the richness of caramelized tofu with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a unique flavor profile. Second, it’s a healthy brown sugar glazed tofu recipe, perfect for those looking to enjoy a nutritious meal without compromising on taste. Third, this dish is incredibly versatile; it can be served over rice or greens, making it a fantastic brown sugar tofu bowl recipe. Fourth, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about an hour from start to finish. Fifth, using brown sugar for glazing tofu enhances the dish with a lovely caramelization effect. Finally, this savory brown sugar tofu is entirely vegan, catering to a wide array of dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

Gather these items:

16 oz block of extra firm tofu, pressed and drained
1/2 small onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
3 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
Juice of half a lemon
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp spicy brown mustard
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dry thyme
30-35 whole cloves
3 tbsp dark brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp spicy brown mustard

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu Step-by-Step

Step 1: Press the tofu using a tofu press or a heavy object for about 3-4 hours to remove excess liquid.
Step 2: Cut shallow crosshatch patterns on the top and bottom surfaces of the pressed tofu and poke holes all over.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together minced onion, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, chili garlic sauce, mustard, paprika, and thyme.
Step 4: Marinate the tofu in a large resealable bag or airtight container with the marinade overnight in the fridge.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Remove the tofu from the fridge, shake off excess marinade, and place on the baking sheet. Insert whole cloves at each crosshatch intersection.
Step 7: Bake the tofu for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Step 8: In a small bowl, combine dark brown sugar and mustard, microwave for 15 seconds, then stir until smooth to create the glaze.
Step 9: Baste the tofu with the glaze and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the cloves with a fork, baste again with remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
Step 11: Let cool slightly, slice as desired, and serve warm over rice or greens.

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the tofu is well-pressed to absorb more marinade.
For extra flavor, consider adding some brown sugar and garlic tofu variations to the marinade.
Use a mix of spices to enhance the flavor, as indicated in the recipe.
Always check the tofu’s texture; it should be firm for the best results in caramelization.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

This sweet glazed tofu dish can be served in various delightful ways. First, pair it with fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Second, serve it on a bed of greens for a light, healthy option. Lastly, you can create a brown sugar tofu stir-fry by adding your favorite vegetables for a colorful and nutritious dinner.

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How to Store and Reheat Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

This dish can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious vegan brown sugar tofu throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu?

The secret lies in pressing the tofu well and allowing it to marinate overnight for optimal flavor absorption. This ensures the tofu becomes infused with the sweet and savory glaze.

Can I make Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tofu and marinate it the night before. This will enhance the flavors and save time on busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu?

Avoid using soft tofu, as it won’t hold up during the cooking process. Also, ensure proper marination time for the best flavor and texture.

Variations of Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu You Can Try

There are many delightful variations you can explore with this dish. Try adding spicy brown mustard for a kick, or incorporate roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. You could also experiment with different glazes, such as a brown sugar and soy sauce tofu blend, to further enhance the flavors and keep this dish exciting!

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Delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu Recipe for Dinner

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Author: Sarah
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A delightful dish showcasing caramelized tofu glazed with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz block of extra firm tofu, pressed and drained
1/2 small onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
3 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
Juice of half a lemon
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp spicy brown mustard
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dry thyme
30–35 whole cloves
3 tbsp dark brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp spicy brown mustard

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Instructions

Press the tofu using a tofu press or a heavy object for about 3-4 hours to remove excess liquid.
Cut shallow crosshatch patterns on the top and bottom surfaces of the pressed tofu and poke holes all over.
In a small bowl, whisk together minced onion, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, chili garlic sauce, mustard, paprika, and thyme.
Marinate the tofu in a large resealable bag or airtight container with the marinade overnight in the fridge.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a lined baking sheet.
Remove the tofu from the fridge, shake off excess marinade, and place on the baking sheet. Insert whole cloves at each crosshatch intersection.
Bake the tofu for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine dark brown sugar and mustard, microwave for 15 seconds, then stir until smooth to create the glaze.
Baste the tofu with the glaze and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Remove the cloves with a fork, baste again with remaining glaze, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
Let cool slightly, slice as desired, and serve warm over rice or greens.