Baked Tofu in Brown Stew Sauce
This delicious meal boasts of tofu marinated in classic Island spice, baked then tossed into a flavorsome stew sauce that will make you kick your lips.
This meal was such a treat! Baked Tofu bites tossed in a brown stew sauce and paired with season rice, fried dumplings and my Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese I posted previously.
Tofu is one of the most versatile proteins because it not only comes in many forms but it takes on whatever flavor you dress it with.
The real trick is to marinate it the right way so it can actually absorb the seasonings and spices.
Choosing the Right Tofu
The right tofu is key because it needs to hold shape as well as soak up all the good flavors.
I personally love the extra firm. Its the best option for baking and holds up well in the stew sauce. If extra firm is hard to come by then firm will also do fine.
How to Prepare the Tofu
There are many methods to prepare tofu before marinating, however I will share my favorite.
- Drain Tofu and remove from package.
- Wrap the blocks in cheese cloth or paper towel, then use a weighted object to apply pressure to extract any extra moisture.
- After 15 minutes unwrap the tofu and cut into cubes to prepare to marinate.
Marinating Tofu
Most people I know that don’t like tofu is due to it tasting bland or like nothing at all. This is due to not marinating long enough or at all. Simply throwing it into a sauce won’t do the trick it needs to be submerged in seasonings!
Importantly, Caribbean food is always full of fresh herbs and loads of seasonings and Green seasoning is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to marinate tofu.
What is Green Seasoning
Green seasoning is a mix of fresh herbs, garlic, scotch bonnet, bell pepper, tomato, onion, spring onion and fresh ginger. These are all blended up to create an intensely fragrant and tasty marinade that goes great on meats, vegetables, in stews, soups and even rice.
The seasoning will sometimes vary Depending on the island you come from but the items above are the basic foundations of this incredible seasoning.
Tips on Baking Tofu
- Bake Tofu on a lined sheet pan at 350F/150C – 375F/275C for 20 minutes or at least until crisp.
- Make sure to turn the tofu so that it crisps on all sides.
- Brush with the stew sauce for extra flavor and crispness.
Brown Stew Sauce
Super easy and tasty, brown stew sauce is a blend of onion, tomato, garlic, sweet pepper and fresh herbs and seasonings cooked down into a thick brown sauce. This recipe calls for an easier way to make stew sauce by using Browning seasoning. Sarson’s gravy browning is the most accessible browning sauce in my area however there are other brands that also have amazing browning.
To Note, I did use Stone Ginger wine in the sauce just to test out the flavor and it actually gave a beautiful almost sweet vinegar taste to the tofu. Its totally optional, however I vouch for it.
Above all, No matter how you like to prepare it, hopefully this guide can help make an even tastier Tofu with your next dish.
Drop a comment blow and let me know what you think. If you decide to make any of my recipes leave me a comment or tag me on Instagram @myeagereats or hashtag #myeatereats .
I’d Love to hear from you!
Recommendations
Here are a few other Delicious Caribbean Recipes to check out:
- An Easy Turkey and Red Peas Soup
- An Incredibly Easy Caribbean Snack: Salt Fish Fritters
- The Best Caribbean Seafood Curry
- Here’s How to Make Jamaican Pumpkin soup
How to make Baked Tofu in Brown Stew Sauce
AuthorsefordDifficultyBeginnerThis Baked Tofu has all the flavors of the Caribbean as it is marinated in classic island flavors, baked then tossed in a brown stew sauce.
First, drain Tofu blocks then wrap in cheese cloth or paper towel. Use a weighted object to place on top of the blocks to assist in extracting any excess moisture for at least 10 minutes.
Next, cut blocks into cubes and put into a bowl followed by the green seasoning, soy sauce, and seasonings. Marinate for 15 minutes then prepare to bake.
Preheat oven at 350F/150C.
Spread marinated cubes onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes occasionally turning to crisp bites on all sides.
Once tofu has become crisp, brush with some of the brown stew sauce then return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until well done.
Heat a medium saucepan on a medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil then all the vegetables and herbs. Cover and let cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
Next, put in the seasonings, browning, ketchup and water. Turn the heat down to low and allow to cook down for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
To finish, toss in the tofu and serve over rice or with dumplings.
Ingredients
Directions
First, drain Tofu blocks then wrap in cheese cloth or paper towel. Use a weighted object to place on top of the blocks to assist in extracting any excess moisture for at least 10 minutes.
Next, cut blocks into cubes and put into a bowl followed by the green seasoning, soy sauce, and seasonings. Marinate for 15 minutes then prepare to bake.
Preheat oven at 350F/150C.
Spread marinated cubes onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes occasionally turning to crisp bites on all sides.
Once tofu has become crisp, brush with some of the brown stew sauce then return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until well done.
Heat a medium saucepan on a medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil then all the vegetables and herbs. Cover and let cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
Next, put in the seasonings, browning, ketchup and water. Turn the heat down to low and allow to cook down for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
To finish, toss in the tofu and serve over rice or with dumplings.
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