Vegetarian Lemon Tofu

Vegetarian Lemon Tofu is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines crispy tofu with a tangy lemon sauce, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. This unique take on a Chinese seafood-inspired recipe is completely plant-based and perfect for any occasion.

Vegetarian Lemon Tofu
30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Chinese
320 kcal

Ingredients

  • Firm tofu - 300 grams
  • Lemon juice - 3 tablespoons
  • Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
  • Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
  • Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable oil - 4 tablespoons
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
  • Vegetable broth - 100 ml
  • Sugar - 1 teaspoon
  • Green onions - 2, chopped
  • Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon

Steps

  1. Press the tofu between paper towels to remove excess moisture for about 15 minutes.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  3. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and coat the tofu cubes evenly.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  6. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Return the fried tofu to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the tofu in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbs: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

  • High in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
  • Rich in antioxidants from lemon, which may boost immunity.

Tags

ChineseVegetarianSeafood Dish