Description
Chinese Lemon Tofu is a zesty, crispy, and satisfying vegan dish made with baked tofu tossed in a sweet and tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional Chinese takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 14-ounce block extra firm tofu, pressed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil (for sautéing)
- 2 green onions, divided into white/green portions and sliced
- 3–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 knob of ginger, peeled and finely minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for sauce)
- 1/3 cup imitation chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Press the tofu for 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then tear or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss tofu with 1 tablespoon avocado oil and 1 tablespoon tamari. Add 1/4 cup cornstarch and toss to coat.
- Place tofu on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While tofu bakes, whisk together broth, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons tamari, cane sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a bowl.
- In a skillet, heat 2 teaspoons avocado oil and sauté white parts of green onions, garlic, ginger, and black pepper for about 1 minute.
- Add the lemon sauce to the skillet and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Remove baked tofu from oven and add to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and stir in lemon zest.
- Serve hot over rice, topped with green onion slices and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Ensure tofu is well-pressed for maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess of sauce to taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Can substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chinese Lemon Tofu, vegan lemon tofu, crispy tofu, tofu stir fry, plant-based Chinese recipe