Pan Seared Tandoori Tofu

This delicious, tofu based recipe takes just 10 minutes from prep to plate and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for something impressive yet so easy! Pan seared tofu flavoured with tandoori spices, it’s a great meat-free, vegetarian and vegan protein option! 

I’ve mentioned on here before, but something I’ve loved being able to do since moving to America has been able to collaborate and re-connect with food brands I had loved and enjoyed when I studied abroad in 2010. 

During my semester at College, although I did have a college meal plan to be used in the dining halls, some of my classes were late at night. 

Actually, scrap that.

They weren’t late at night. The dining hall just decided that dinner time shuts off at 7pm. I’ll never forget the time I arrived at 6.55, did an Irish dance around the salad bar, before getting kicked out by the dining hall lady…..without my plate of food in tow. 

Ever since that unfortunate incident (I can still see the dining lady’s face glaring at me), I ensured to have my dorm room stocked with basics for the nights I didn’t skip class wouldn’t make the 7pm deadline. I’ve discussed here what I had on hand when it came to grains and snacks, but for main meals, I always stocked my freezer with frozen veggies by Green Giant. Paired with poor man’s seafood (tuna) and microwave rice, this would be my ‘go to’ dinner on those nights. (Seriously, 7pm?! Can you tell I’m bitter?). 

When Green Giant reached out to collaborate with them for the coming months with their new line of ‘Sautés’, I cursed the dining hall lady and  thought back to those dorm room days in which I ate their steamed range whenever I missed the cut off. I then built myself a bridge and got over it.

Oh yeah, and of course I said yes- I love Green Giant and their products! Unlike their other products they are known for (and I was familiar with), this new range was designed for stovetop cooking or shall I say ‘sautéing’– You get the frozen vegetables, add the seasonings and voila- A fancy, delicious side dish ready in minutes. 

When it comes to weeknight dinners or meals, unless some amazing food prep is done over the weekend or you resort to some Thai takeout, chances are a fancy looking meal won’t usually be on the agenda. However, over the coming months, I’m going to share three delicious recipes which pair perfectly with one of the Green Giant Sautés. By doing so, I want to break the stigma that weeknight cooking can’t be a little bit fancy with minor effort. Furthermore, for my friends out there with a special someone in their lives- These meals are the perfect solution for some #weeknightdatenight action. 

The first of the Green Giant Sautés product I’d love to introduce you guys to is the Indian Spiced lentils. When thinking up a dish to pair with it, I immediately thought ‘Tandoori Chicken’.….mainly because I ate it the night before. However, I thought of using the tandoori flavours on another protein- One which my vegan and vegetarian friends could enjoy too- Enter Tofu.

To me, tofu is a blank (tasteless) slate which can be used in so many ways. For a quick, weeknight idea or, if you have that special someone, a #weeknightdatenight idea- I have you covered. 

This pan seared tandoori tofu is the perfect pairing with the Indian Spiced lentils, as their flavours mesh perfectly together. The best part? After you whip up the tofu, you can keep the pan heated to quickly saute the lentil side dish after.

Now THAT is productivity. 

This pan seared tandoori tofu is the perfect meat free dinner option which literally takes 10 minutes to whip up. The key is to use extra firm tofu and have the pan heated on high before cooking. All that’s needed is to do is to coat one side of the tofu in the tandoori spice mix then sear it face down on the hot pan and voila- An impressive, flavourful and delicious meal ready by the time you get your plastic plates out set the table.

Bonus hack- This tofu can also be batch cooked for easy lunches and they freeze beautifully! 

Make this delicious Pan Seared Tandoori Tofu and excuse me as I prep this for me and my date this weeknight- My stomach.

(Bet you were thinking it was the dining hall lady- She can have the empty package). 

Pan Seared Tandoori Tofu

5 from 1 vote

This delicious, tofu based recipe takes just 10 minutes from prep to plate and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for something impressive yet so easy! Pan seared tofu flavoured with tandoori spices, it's a great meat-free, vegetarian and vegan protein option!

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Ingredients  

• ▢ 1 block extra firm tofu sliced into 1 cm slices
• ▢ Oil of choice

For the tandoori spice mix (makes more than needed)

• ▢ 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cumin
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sea salt adjust to taste- I like it quite salty
• ▢ 1 tablespoon turmeric
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 tablespoon smoked paprika optional but gives a delicious smokey flavour
• ▢ 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions 

• Coat a large frying pan with oil and heat on hot heat.
• In a small mixing bowl, add the spice mixture. Dip one side of the sliced tofu in the spice mixture and place tofu facedown on the hot pan. Keep tofu face down for 2-3 minutes before flipping and cooking on the other side for 2 minutes and remove and serve immediately or allow to cool.

Notes

If batch cooking, allow to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
This makes a delicious salad topper, especially cold.

Author: Arman

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

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BONUS! The epic folk at Green Giant want YOU to try their new Sautés range so with each of my recipe posts, one lucky reader will win a Gift Basket worth $98 which include a brand new Calphalon 12 inch non stick frying pan, salt and pepper shakes and more fun goodies! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post or on Facebook! 

Good luck and the winner for this month will be picked by the August 1st! {Please note- American residents only}

This is a sponsored ongoing collaboration with Green Giant and General Mills. Cheers, hugs and handshakes for supporting companies and brands which help in making The Big Man’s World continue to grow.

What is your ‘go to’ weeknight meal? 

Are you a fan of tofu?