Roasted Tofu with Asparagus
Prep
15 mins
Cook
30 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely restaurant quality. Crispy roasted tofu paired with tender asparagus creates a satisfying main that's packed with plant based protein and fiber. The garlicky lemon and sesame sauce brings everything together beautifully, and I love that asparagus is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that support heart health. Best of all, it requires minimal prep work and uses simple pantry staples, so you can have a nutritious, delicious meal on the table without any fuss or complicated techniques.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 397 gextra-firm tofu(pressed and cubed into 3/4-inch pieces)
- ½ kgfresh asparagus(trimmed, cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoonslow-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoonsesame oil
- 1 tablespooncornstarch
- 237 mlvegetable broth
- 1 teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoonssesame seeds(white or black)
- 1 tablespoonfresh thyme(chopped)
- to tastesea salt and black pepper
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Press the tofu using a tofu press or by wrapping it in clean kitchen towels and placing a heavy weight on top for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Tip: Pressing tofu ensures it becomes crispier when roasted and absorbs flavors better.
- 2
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the pressed tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
Tip: Extra drying prevents steaming and promotes golden browning.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, vegetable broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Tip: This glaze will caramelize on the tofu and asparagus as they roast.
- 4
Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Tip: Arrange them with space between to allow even browning.
- 5
Roast the tofu for 15 minutes at 425°F until the edges begin to brown.
Tip: Flip the pieces halfway through for more even cooking.
- 6
While tofu roasts, toss the asparagus pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
Tip: Thyme adds an earthy depth that complements both the tofu and asparagus.
- 7
After 15 minutes, remove the tofu from the oven, add the prepared asparagus to the same baking sheet, and drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over both.
Tip: Stirring everything together ensures the glaze coats all ingredients.
- 8
Return to the oven and roast for another 12-15 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the glaze becomes glossy and slightly caramelized.
Tip: The glaze should reduce and stick to the tofu and asparagus.
- 9
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Tip: Resting allows flavors to settle and sesame seeds to adhere better.
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