#MeatlessMonday: 17 Tofu Marinade Recipes That Will Rock Your World


Trying to convince someone who has never tasted tofu that the off-white, weird-smelling,watery substance is, one, edible and, two, actually really delicious (really!) is like trying to convince a five-year-old that Brussels sprouts are the bomb: difficult, to say the least. Which is why, when you do try your hand at convincing them, you’d better make sure your tofu is darn delicious. And for that, you will need a great tofu marinade recipe. Lucky for you, we’ve found a whole bunch of ‘em.

Now, the great thing about tofu is that it is truly one of the most versatile foods out there. Thanks to its naturally bland flavor, it’s the perfect canvas for just about any marinade in existence, soaking up every flavor from Sriracha to citrus to sesame. But how much flavor it soaks up, as with any other marinated dish, lies in the marinating time. A quick 30-minute marinade will give your tofu some life, but if you really want the flavor to soak in (which you probably do), you should marinate it for a few hours, or even overnight.

But enough talk about tofu, let’s get to the recipes. Below you will find nearly every type of tofu marinade recipe under the sun, from spicy Sriracha to citrus ginger to peanut. So whether you’re short on ingredients or have a pantry that rivals a personal chef’s, we’ve got you covered. And I’m telling you, these recipes will make even the biggest tofu haters give it a second chance. And if you are already a lover of all things tofu, these recipes will only make you love it more. Happy cooking!

Less-Than-Five-Ingredient Tofu Marinades

Mango Ginger Maple Tofu Marinade
Via Averie Cooks

Mango, ginger and maple? Yes, please!

Balsamic Tofu marinade
Via The First mess

Any balsamic-dressing devotees out there? This marinade recipe was made for you.

Miso Tofu Marinade
Via Momtastic

It doesn’t get much easier than this three-ingredient tofu marinade.

Four-Ingredient Peanut Tofu Marinade
Via Daily Garnish

If you are a peanut butter fan, this tofu marinade recipe is guaranteed to be your new go-to.

Ginger Tofu Marinade
Via Golubka Kitchen

This simple and citrusy marinade makes a mean grilled or baked tofu.

Sweet and Sour Honey Lemon Tofu Marinade
Via Averie Cooks

This sweet and sour marinated tofu is perfect alongside a hearty serving of broccoli and brown rice.

Less-Than-10-Ingredient Tofu Marinades

Citrus Ginger Tofu Marinade
Via Food52

This citrus-ginger marinated tofu is just what your salads have been missing.

Spicy Sriracha Tofu Marinade
Via The Bitten Word

Warning: Have a glass of water ready when you take your first bite of this spicy marinated tofu.

Italian Herb Tofu Marinade
Via Oh My Veggies

This herby tofu is great on salads, mixed in with pasta or thrown between two slices of bread with some sliced tomatoes and Vegenaise.

Cilantro Lime Tofu Marinade
Via All Recipes

This tofu marinade recipe is super simple, and totally delicious. Tofu burritos, anyone?

Korean Barbecue Tofu Marinade
Via The Kitchn

This Korean Barbecue tofu marinade pairs perfectly with a stir fry or a heaping bowl of quinoa.

Tandoori Tofu Marinade
Via Feasting at Home

This yogurt-marinated tofu can be served on skewers, over rice, mixed with veggies—the world is your oyster.

Simple Tamari Tofu Marinade
Via Cafe Johnsonia

Stir-fry heaven, here you come.

Tofu Asada Marinade
Via Life Currents

Pair this marinated tofu with some corn tortillas and guacamole, and you’ve got yourself a great meal that even carne asada devotees will drool over.

More-Than-10-Ingredient Tofu Marinades

Spicy Herb Tofu Marinade
Via PureWOW

Consider this recipe the Greek salad of marinades: It’s loaded with red onion, garlic, kalamata olives, chili flakes and more.

Lemongrass Tofu Marinade
Via Epicurious

This spicy Vietnamese-inspired tofu marinade recipe makes for the ultimate comfort food.

Lemon Herb Tofu Marinade
Via Divine Healthy Food

This zesty tofu marinade recipe is bursting with flavor from fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage. Mmmm.

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