Description
Sautéed Lime Tofu is a flavorful and tangy vegetarian dish featuring golden brown tofu strips cooked with lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, complemented by sweet yellow onions. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and savory depth, ideal for a light main course or a protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
Tofu and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 (16-ounce) package extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 4 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper. Set this lime soy sauce mixture aside to marinade the tofu later.
- Heat the oil and coat tofu: Place a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the pressed tofu strips and sprinkle 4 teaspoons of brown sugar over them. Stir gently to coat the tofu evenly with the brown sugar and oil.
- Cook the tofu: Sauté the tofu for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu strips become golden brown and caramelized on all sides.
- Add the onions: Add 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion to the pan with the tofu. Cook and stir occasionally until the onions soften and become translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Simmer with marinade: Pour the lime soy sauce mixture over the tofu and onions. Allow everything to simmer together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu absorbs the flavors and the liquid almost fully evaporates, creating a flavorful glaze.
Notes
- Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture for better texture and crispiness, which also helps the tofu absorb more marinade.
- Use non-reactive cookware such as stainless steel, ceramic, or enamel when working with acidic ingredients like lime juice to prevent metallic taste.
- For crispier tofu, gently toss tofu strips in cornstarch before pan-frying.
- To create a thicker glaze, add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
