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My 4 ingredient tofu marinade instantly transforms tofu into a savory, tangy, flavorful protein option. It tastes delicious and works well with any recipe.
This tofu marinade transforms tofu.
We cook with tofu every week at home because it acts like a sponge, soaking up all the flavors you want to throw at it. My easy marinade is the reason why my family is happy to go meat-free for many dinners.
It’s sweet, salty, and umami and easy to customize. Once the tofu has been marinated, I love adding it to a bok choy stir-fry or spicy noodles for a protein boost.
If you love simple marinades, try my 4-ingredient chicken marinade, 3-ingredient steak marinade, or fajita marinade next.
Key ingredients
- Sesame oil. This gives the marinade a subtle nutty flavor. I prefer the stronger flavor of toasted sesame oil, but if you want a milder flavor, look for untoasted sesame oil.
- Soy sauce. I chose to use tamari AND soy sauce because soy sauce is saltier and stronger in flavor, which helps penetrate into the tofu. Use low-sodium soy sauce if needed.
- Tamari. This adds depth and complexity.
- Garlic. I strongly prefer using fresh garlic cloves for this recipe as the flavor is more pronounced and aromatic. If you only have garlic powder, reduce the amount to ¼ teaspoon.
How to make tofu marinade
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Whisk. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
Step 2- Marinate. Marinate the tofu, then cook as desired.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use the right kind of tofu. Not all tofu is created equal, which is why I strongly recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu. Soft or silken tofu will fall apart in the marinade.
- Press the tofu. The more liquid removed from the tofu, the better the marinade will stick to it. I like to slice the tofu in half, wrap it in paper towels, and sandwich it between two heavy plates.
- Toss several times. We want the tofu to be flavorful with every bite, so turn the tofu several times while marinating it.
- Only marinate up to 4 hours. Any longer and the tofu will become mushy.
Frequently asked questions
If you want to use cornstarch to make crispy tofu, you’ll want to toss the tofu in it after marinating so the exterior is no longer moist.
Ways to use marinated tofu
Tofu Marinade
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, tamari, and garlic.
- Add to your tofu and let it sit for 20 minutes or up to 4 hours before cooking.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published April 2023, updated and republished December 2024
Good and eady marinade. I didnt know you can make tofu like this.
Turned out amazing! Threw in the air fryer and topped on salad.
Perfect! We love tofu and will use this recipe often. Thank you 😊