Lately, I’ve often talked about how important it is to incorporate this food into any diet, especially for women who are in menopause or approaching this delicate period! I’m talking about tofu, also known as vegetable cheese due to its production method, being a food derived from the curdling of soy milk with numerous health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system. Tofu is very rich in plant proteins, which is why it is frequently used in vegetarian or vegan diets as a substitute for animal-derived protein sources (meat, fish). From a micronutrient perspective, it is rich in iron and calcium and relatively low in calories. Paired with a generous serving of seasonal vegetables and a portion of preferably whole grains, tofu proves to be a super healthy dish! Since many, intrigued by the qualities of this food, have tried consuming it only to be disappointed by its “neutral taste,” tofu has unjustly gained a bad reputation over time because of those who simply put it on the plate as it is! Here is a way to make it decidedly more flavorful and appetizing. Marinate the tofu in a dressing based on soy sauce and my kitchen joker, my beloved sesame cream (tahini), then bread it and bake it. I paired it with peeled roasted peppers and a red pepper sauce that complemented it divinely! In just a few simple steps, you can serve a healthy main dish, rich in protein and with a surprising taste!
CURIOSITY: Did you know that tofu already existed in the 2nd century AD, although in a form and with different procedures than today’s? Its protein contribution has always been recognized, making it an ideal food for a vegan and vegetarian diet, and its historical spread with Buddhism has allowed it to extend to almost the entire Far East until today, where it is also available in our large distribution supermarkets.
Other ideas to take inspiration from to enjoy this food at its best:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
⚠ THIS RECIPE INCLUDES ONE OR MORE AFFILIATE LINKS. The products I recommend are the same ones I use in my recipes; purchasing them through my blog helps support me and my work, while it will cost you nothing extra!
- 2 blocks smoked tofu (about 180-200 g each)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
- 1 teaspoon tahini
- 1/2 lime juice (or lemon)
- lime zest (untreated)
- 1 g fresh ginger (grated)
- 150 g breadcrumbs (preferably homemade)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (in flakes)
- 2 sprigs thyme (fresh)
- to taste chives
- to taste mixed peppercorns
Tools
- 2 Bowls
- 1 Knife
- 1 Teaspoon
- 1 Tablespoon
- 1 Plastic Wrap
- 1 Grater
- 1 Baking Dish
Steps
Cut the blocks of tofu in half crosswise to form 4 wide slices like steaks. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess liquid and set aside.
Now take care of the marinade: in a large bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of soy sauce*.
Add the flaxseed oil and the tahini, in my case homemade.
Finish with lime juice and zest and fresh grated ginger. Mix and cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour**.
Now take care of the breading: in a second bowl, transfer the breadcrumbs, the nutritional yeast flakes, and a grind of pepper.
Add the fresh thyme leaves and the chives and mix well.
Take the marinade again and soak the tofu steaks in it, turning them often to absorb from all sides for 30′ or even more if you can.
Pass them through the seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure it sticks on all sides, and place in a well-oiled baking dish or lined with parchment paper, drizzle with a little oil and the remaining marinade. Place in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 20 minutes***.
Turn off, take out and serve slightly warm with more marinade on top to taste.
And voila… the baked marinated and breaded tofu steaks are ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy your meal from La Cucina di FeFè!
Storage
👉Baked marinated and breaded tofu steaks are best consumed immediately, but if there are leftovers, they can be stored in a glass container suitable for refrigeration for up to 1-2 days.
Tips, Notes, Variations, and Suggestions
🟣* No salt in this recipe because soy sauce already has a high sodium content sufficient to make these steaks tasty; of course, the level of salinity to the palate is entirely personal, so I recommend starting gradually without salting and then possibly adjust next time or adding a few flakes of salt at the end of cooking before serving.
🟣*** Alternatively to the oven, this recipe is also suitable for air fryer cooking. In this case, cook at 338°F for 10-12 minutes.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can natural tofu be used?
Smoked tofu already has a stronger taste and is therefore recommended especially for those trying this food for the first time, but if smoked tofu is difficult to find or that flavor is not appreciated, you can easily opt for natural or herb-flavored tofu. I find all types at Lidl.


