Lemon Pepper Tofu
Lemon Pepper Tofu is a zesty and savory dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon and the heat of black pepper with crispy, marinated tofu. This dairy-free Chinese BBQ dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to any dinner table.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Chinese
280 kcal
Ingredients
- Firm tofu - 300 grams
- Lemon juice - 3 tablespoons
- Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
- Ginger (grated) - 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Spring onions (sliced) - 2 for garnish
- Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon for garnish
Steps
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu cubes and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the lemon pepper tofu hot, garnished with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Water: 0.2 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in plant-based protein, supporting muscle health.
- High in antioxidants from lemon and ginger, promoting overall health.
Tags
ChineseDairy-FreeBBQ