Maple-Lemon Tofu

A version of this recipe circulates online as Matthew's Delicious Tofu. It has ginger and less lemon. I like it better the way I make it. It's one of the few dishes where I use lemon juice but not the zest. I'm not really going for the lemon flavor as much as the tartness. In fact, you could use rice vinegar instead if that's what you've got.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 168 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 (14 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
• 2 teaspoons thinly sliced chives or scallions, for garnish

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Wrap tofu in a clean dish towel and weight it with something heavy, such as a large can; leave it to drain for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Slice tofu crosswise into 12 skinny slices, then cut those in half so you end up with 24 skinny half slices.

Step 3

Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and lemon juice together in a bowl.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Arrange tofu in a single layer in skillet and cook, undisturbed, until golden and crisp on bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. (It won't get very dark, but it will look nice and appetizing.) Turn all pieces over and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add garlic and cook, moving garlic around with a spatula in spaces between tofu, 1 minute.

Step 5

Increase heat to medium-low. Add maple syrup, soy sauce, and lemon juice, shaking to distribute sauce. Cook a minute or so, then turn and cook another minute or so, until sauce is reduced to a syrupy glaze and tofu looks nicely coated. Transfer tofu to plates and scatter with chives or scallions.