You cut a drained block of tofu into slices, lightly salt and pepper each slice,
spread the slices with grated (or finely minced) garlic,
and then lightly coat each slice with flour.
Then you fry the tofu in a skillet until each side is crispy and brown, and then set the slices on some paper towels to cool slightly and soak up any extra oil.
Then all you do is serve the slices topped with your toppings and garnishes of choice! For the girls, I drizzled the slices with a tiny bit of ponzu and served it with some kyuri asa-zuke.
Squirrel made quick work of it with her chopsticks and then told me, “Mama, I like tofu!” I think I’ll keep her.
I topped mine with ponzu, sambal oelek, and sliced scallions.
Two tricks to keep your garlic from burning: make sure your garlic is grated or VERY finely minced (larger pieces are more likely to burn), and if you notice it is burning, turn down your heat slightly! Some bits will occasionally get a bit dark, but this just gives your tofu a bit of a chargrilled flavor. I recommend using a good organic tofu or making your own, because the flavor and texture will be so much better. Although you may pay more for a good block of tofu, it is still very affordable when you compare it to other proteins like beef or chicken. You’ll be rewarded with a light, creamy, and delicious tofu steak!
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Tofu Steak
Makes 4 servings (3.75 ounces each)
15 ounce block extra firm tofu (it is fine if your tofu block is slightly smaller or larger)
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons grated or finely minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 – 4 tablespoons sesame oil
Toppings/garnishes of choice: soy sauce, ponzu, sambal oelek, grated daikon radish, sliced scallions, sliced leeks, shichimi togarashi, lemon zest, etc.
1. Drain the tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel Cut the tofu into four pieces, pat the pieces dry, and let them sit on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture that remains. Season the tofu on both sides with salt and pepper and then spread each side with the garlic. Lightly coat the slices with the flour.
2. Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu, protecting yourself from the hot oil. Cook the tofu until it is crispy and browned, and then flip the pieces over and cook the other side. Set the slices on some paper towels to cool slightly and soak up any extra oil.
3. Serve the tofu topped with your toppings and garnishes of choice.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Both my daughters love tofu too ! I think I’ll make tofu steaks for lunch today (was looking for inspiration).
I totally want to make this!! I think I might make it this week. Looks healthy and delicious!!
Yum!! What an excellent recipe and it looks delicoius. So many people immediately cast off tofu as boring, but you definitely show them otherwise here!
This looks so delicious. I was intrigued already when tweeted about your tofu steak, and it looks even better than I thought. I have to give it a go. Thank you for sharing! I like the picture of Squirrel with her chopsticks, so cute! :)
I don’t know… it’s tofu. It does look good though…
Yum! I am already thinking of all the different toppings I can use, mmm…ginger sesame dressing! I have breaded and fried the cubed tofu, but then added it to another dish. My daughter did ask if that was tofu, and she did like it. But then she is 15. :)
I have had marinated tofu steaks before and they were lovely hot off the grill. I will have to give this method a try … your pics have my tummy rumbling!
ok…i’m REALLY impressed with squirrel. I suspect she’s more japanese than I will ever be! :) When I was a kid her age, my mom used to dress tofu up in a pink tutu and tiara and i still hated it.
This does look tasty and I love how easy you make it look!!! Will definitely have to try this!! [although, nowadays, I eat it with just shoyu and bonita flakes…]
So pretty!! I might have to try this, tis a fantastic idea!!
I bet a tofu burger made with your frying technique would be over the top!
This looks great, I love tofu.
These look fantastic, I have to get some of those joined up chopsticks for my boy!
I am in love with your tofu posts:)
I am trying to introduce tofu to my children… This recipe is exactly what I need. I’ll get more exciting sauce to go on it! Thanks!
I must admit I am not generally excited about tofu. I like it in small doses in soups, but I cringe when I think of it as the main course. I am going to have to try some of this. Maybe I can come around.
Not even your lovely cooking could convince my husband or I to eat tofu. We both hate it, I don’t like the texture. :/ But I enjoyed looking at your pics! ;)
Yum! This looks like a fantastic way to enjoy tofu.
I’m always looking for great ways to incorporate tofu into dishes. This looks absolutely delicious!
Tofu, well I’m not too fond of it. Your beautiful display makes me rethink that… Your “Squirrel” is adorable with her chop sticks!
Wow – this looks incredible! I have a big block of tofu in my fridge that I might give this a try with. So, the garlic doesn’t burn in the time it takes to brown the tofu then?
Your little girl is absolutely precious – I bet she got quite a bit of attention Japan! :D
You’ve made tofu really special by using this simple procedure. Oftentimes, we make it so complicated.
She’s so cute, and I like tofu too! Your steaks look fantastic with the sambal oelek and scallions.
I’ve never tried tofu before, but this looks really great!
What a great way to cook tofu! I love this.
Oh, and your daughter looks like an angel :)
I love this dish… I have tofu in the fridge just waiting for a purpose in life… great photo too…love the color!
This looks great. Simple, pantry (or usually on hand) ingredients and perfect for those nights when I have the “what’s for dinner?” panic! I’ll be trying this soon!
When you posted this recipe on Tasty Kitchen, you accidently put “grated ginger” in the ingredients list, rather than garlic. Just thought you might want to know, so you can fix it. Looks tasty! :)
What a simple and healthy recipe! I’m still trying to work tofu into our regular menu more frequently. I’ll give this a try!
I like to make it sans the flour sometimes too—I add ponzu to a hot pan with the tofu while it’s cooking. The ponzu caramelizes and forms a crisp edge.
We are all tofu fan in our house!
ohhhh I was just writing up my recipe for kaki age for my blog tmrw and I found your blog through a search and am loving it! can’t wait to try out more of your recipes…..yum! gorgeous pictures and food
Corrie:)
Mmmm…just made some for lunch for myself. Very quick and easy. And tasty of course!
Definitely looking forward to trying your tofu steak recipe out. I’ve never been a big fan of tofu, but I’ve never really tried making it myself, either. Thank you for sharing!
I have to tell you, I not only made tofu with your tutorial but also these tofu steaks which are going up on my blog as I speak. The tofu couldn’t have been easier to make and the tofu steak was delicious. If you do visit, please ignore the picture quality. It goes without saying, your clicks are fabulous.
I sure hope you’re keeping Squirrel- like anyone is gonna adopt her with that name XD
momma i LIKE tofu.
so what, kids are manipulators and say stupid shit all the time
your kid looks retarded
I love Agedashi tofu and your addition of the minced garlic is a perfect one. Love the Siracha too. And of course, ponzu.
I’ve made this probably 20 times. It’s really good and simple. I love tofu stirfry, but always end up with more leftovers that my wife or I can eat. No leftovers with this.
I use frozen cotton tofu for steak, instead of using extra firm tofu.
Cause extra firm tofu is not sold in my country. But it’s delicious too.
Hi, chanced upon this when I was looking for tofu steak recipe. Love your blog, adding it to my blogroll! =)
I tried your tofu steak recipe and was pleasantly surprised as was my family. A GREAT protein alternative to meat. I served mine with wild rice, grilled asparagus, and a tomato / avocado salad. I received rave reviews, but needed to confess that I stole the tofu recipe from La Fuji Mama prompted by a five-star recommendation from Fuji Mama’s sidekick, Squirrel.
I can’t wait to try this recipe. Also that plate is STUNNING!
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