A flavorful block of glazed tofu that can take pride of place during any special dinner.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Time: 1½ hours, plus time to marinate
Tools
- medium saucepan
- colander
- large, clean kitchen towel
- square or rectangular container that can hold the tofu
- medium frying pan
- tongs
- baking dish
- baster or spoon
Ingredients
- water
- 2 t salt
- 1 pound firm or extra firm tofu, drained
- ⅓ c orange juice
- ⅓ c soy sauce
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 T olive oil, divided
- ⅓ c maple syrup
- 1 T Dijon mustard
Directions
Fill saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Stir in salt and carefully add the entire block of tofu. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and let the tofu sit until cool enough to handle, then wrap in towel and blot dry.
Combine orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and half of the garlic in the container. Add the block of tofu and let marinate for at least an hour (overnight, if possible), turning over every so often so that the entire block is well marinated.
Meanwhile, combine the rest of the garlic with 1 T oil, maple syrup, and mustard and set aside.
Heat remaining oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, use tongs to remove the tofu from the marinade and place in pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Rotate the tofu to sear the next side, and repeat until all six sides of the block are goden. Use the tongs to hold up the tofu so that you can sear the smallest sides.
Preheat oven to 375.
Meanwhile, whisk the marinade into the maple glaze, and pour a bit into the baking dish to cover the bottom.
Place the seared tofu in the dish and pour the marinade over the top. If you like, you can add some veggies around the sides of the tofu, to roast along with it.
Roast for 15 minutes, then carefully remove from oven and baste the tofu. Continue roasting another 45 minutes, basting every 15 or so.
Slice and serve drizzled with some of the marinade.
Notes
This is a great vegan alternative to whatever roast meat is traditionally served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.
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