Published: · Modified: by Nisha Melvani, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments
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These Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce are incredibly flavorful and packed with plant-based protein. Marinate the chipotle tofu ahead of time for a quick, easy & budget-friendly lunch or dinner. This recipe is mayo-free, healthy, and easy!
These tofu steaks are a hearty and healthful meat alternative. They're perfect for adding more plant-based protein to any meal, including this Baja bowl recipe. I meal prep these ahead of time to add more protein to my bowls throughout the week.
The chipotle sauce is out of this world! You won't believe it's healthy and vegan! Plus, it's made without mayo and gluten-free. Use it in all your veggie bowls throughout the week! It's very versatile.
Did you know that those who eat spicy foods regularly tend to live longer? Evidence-based studies have found a significant reduction in premature death in those who eat spicy food. Plus, adding spice to your meal increases your taste sensitivity for salt so you don't need as much to make a dish taste good. This may reduce salt intake and therefore blood pressure.
These Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce were inspired by my Maple Soy Baked Tofu Steaks and pair well with this easy and healthy Kale Salad recipe.
Jump to:
- 👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- 🌶 Substitutions
- 📖 How to Make Marinated Tofu Steaks
- 💡 Expert Tips
- 🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
- 🍽 Related Recipes
- 👩🏽🍳 Made this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Red wine vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce
- Fresh lime juice
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Lime
- Tahini
See the recipe card for quantities.
🌶 Substitutions
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauceare widely available, inexpensive, and take this dish to the next level. However, you can use an equal amount of tomato passata, or puréed or canned tomatoes for the chipotle sauce and marinade, and add smoked paprika to taste.
- Red wine vinegar - use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead
- Coconut aminos - substitute with tamari or soy sauce
- Tofu - use tempeh instead to change things up
- Baja Bowl - pair the chipotle tofu with this Baja Bowl recipe
📖 How to Make Marinated Tofu Steaks
This is an overview. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full instructions and measurements.
Optional: Freeze the block of tofu beforehand for at least 24 hours. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Step 1. Turn the block of tofu on its side, with the longer side facing up. Slice lengthwise to make 2 large rectangles. Use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern into the rectangles. This allows for the marinade and sauce to get into the crevices, adding even more flavor.
Step 2. Blend the vinegar, coconut aminos, chipotle peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, and maple syrup until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining.
Step 3. Add the water and the lime juice. Reserve one-half cup of the marinade for the chipotle sauce.
Step 4. Use the remaining marinade to marinate the tofu. Spread some of the marinade along the bottom of a large container. Placed the tofu steaks on top, crosshatched side face up. Pour some of the marinade on top. Brush the crosshatched tofu generously with the marinade. Make sure to get it into the cracks. Set aside for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
Step 5. Bake the chipotle tofu steaks at 400ºF for 10 minutes before flipping them over. Bake for about 10 minutes more, or until slightly crispy.
Step 6. Meanwhile, make the chipotle sauce. Combine the reserved one-half cup marinade with the tahini. Mix until a smooth sauce forms.
💡 Expert Tips
- Optional for maximum flavor: Freeze your tofu for at least 24 hours and then thaw it in the refrigerator. Marinate the tofu overnight.
- If freezing the tofu beforehand, freeze it in the packet. Then thaw in the refrigerator. Open the packet, drain, and give the tofu a quick press. Wrap the block between layers of paper towel or dish towel and lay it flat on the counter. Press down with your hands gently to remove excess water.
- If you are not freezing it, press your tofu before using it in this recipe.
- Scoring the tofu rectangles (crosshatching) is optional, but it makes them more flavorful.
- For less spicy: Reduce the number of chipotle peppers. Add them one by one to taste.
- Use a pastry brush to spread the marinade onto the tofu 'steaks' and get it into the cracks.
- Storage: Refrigerate any remaining chipotle tofu in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 5 days.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
What does tofu taste like?
Unseasoned tofu tastes quite bland. This lack of flavor, and its spongy texture, means tofu easily absorbs the flavors of seasonings and marinades. This is why it is an excellent vegan meat substitute.
What is tofu steak made of?
Tofu steak describes cookingextra-firm tofu just like you would a large cut of meat. It is usually a large piece of tofu that you cook all at once. It is called tofu steak because it is large enough to resemble beef or pork steak.
Why should I freeze tofu?
Freezing tofu extends its shelf life, as well as giving it a 'meaty' texture. Thawed tofu absorbs marinades and spices even better than pressed tofu.
To freeze tofu, place it in the freezer in its original packaging for at least 24 hours. Transfer the frozen tofu to the refrigerator for about 12 hours, or until it is completely thawed before making the recipe.
- Maple Soy Baked Tofu Steaks
- Orange-Glazed Tofu with Roasted Veggies
- Zucchini Lasagna (42g Protein)
👩🏽🍳 Made this recipe?
Made this recipe? Share your Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce creation with me onInstagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.
I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.
📖 Recipe
Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce
Nisha Melvani
Tofu Steaks in Chipotle Sauce are incredibly flavorful and packed with plant-based protein. This recipe is mayo-free, healthy, and easy!
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Marinate: 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings 4 people (4 steaks)
Calories 480 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 (14 to 16-ounce) packets super firm tofu or extra firm tofu (see note)
For the Chipotle marinade:
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce, or tamari
- 5 to 6 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes)
For the Chipotle sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini (plus ½ cup chipotle marinade from above)
Instructions
Cut the tofu: To make the tofu ‘steaks’, turn the block of tofu on its side, with the longer side facing up. Slice lengthwise to make 2 large rectangles. Place the rectangles onto the cutting board, with the larger side face down. Place one chopstick or spoon on either side. Use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern on the top of the two rectangles. Take care not to cut too far down or the steaks will fall apart. Slice each scored rectangle in half lengthwise through the middle to make 6 long, even rectangles. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
Make the Marinade: Blend the vinegar, coconut aminos, chipotle peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, and maple syrup until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. Add the water and lime juice. Reserve one-half cup of the marinade for the sauce.
Use the remaining marinade for marinating the tofu steaks. Spread some of the marinade along the bottom of a large container with a lid. Placed the tofu steaks into the container, crosshatched side face up. Pour some of the marinade onto the top of the steaks. Brush them with the marinade. Make sure to get it into the cracks of the tofu. Cover and set aside for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
Bake the steaks: Transfer the steaks to a rimmed non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Brush generously with any leftover marinade from the container and gently flip them over. Brush the other side with more marinade. Bake for about another 10 minutes, or until darkened and slightly crispy.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: Combine one-half cup of the marinade with ¼ cup tahini. Mix well until a creamy sauce forms.
For serving: Drizzle the desired amount of sauce on the tofu steaks for serving.
Notes
- Optional for maximum flavor: Freeze your tofu for at least 24 hours and then thaw it in the refrigerator. Marinate the tofu overnight.
- If freezing the tofu beforehand, freeze it in the packet. Then thaw in the refrigerator. Open the packet, drain, and give the tofu a quick press. Wrap the block between layers of paper towel or dish towel and lay it flat on the counter. Press down with your hands gently to remove excess water.
- If you are not freezing it, press your tofu before using it in this recipe.
- Scoring the tofu rectangles (crosshatching) is optional, but it makes them more flavorful.
- Less spicy: Reduce the chipotle peppers for less spicy.
- Storage: Refrigerate any remaining tofu in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 4mg
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
CF
I have these tofu steaks marinating in the fridge right now & they smell amazing. Can’t wait to try them tomorrow.
I am just wondering if you have a recipe for the black bean, corn, and avocado bowl that is pictured in the post?
Thank you 😊
Reply
Nisha Melvani, RDN
Hi. Yes! Coming today!
Reply
CF
Thank you for posting the Baja Bowl recipe. I just had it with the tofu steak and it was amazing!5 out of 5 stars.
Reply
Nisha Melvani, RDN
I'm thrilled to hear that!!! Makes my work so worthwhile! Thank you:)
Reply
Catherine
The chipotle flavors make this so tasty. New favorite tofu recipe!Reply
Nisha Melvani
Chipotle is the best! I add it to a lot of my dishes for an extra kick. Thanks for commenting.Reply