Crispy Tofu Salmon-Style Fillets
Marinated, pan-seared tofu fillets with a nori “skin,” smoky-umami glaze, and zingy lemon—crisp outside, tender and flaky inside.
Instructions
Step 1: Press and prep the tofu
Press the extra-firm tofu for 30 minutes, then pat dry. Cut into 4 fillets (from a 16oz (450g) block) and trim a diagonal wedge on top for a fillet shape.
Step 2: Score for flaky texture
Place two butter knives along the sides as guards and make shallow diagonal cuts across each fillet so you don’t slice through.
Step 3: Blend the marinade
In a blender, combine vegetable stock, finely chopped nori, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, liquid smoke, beet slices, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, light brown sugar, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
Step 4: Marinate overnight
Lay tofu in a shallow dish and pour over the marinade. Turn gently to coat and leave fillets upside down to help color seep into the cuts. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Attach the nori “skin”
Lift tofu from the marinade and place on a nonstick tray. Dip a strip of nori in leftover marinade and press onto the bottom of each piece; set fillets on their sides.
Step 6: Coat with cornstarch
Pour cornstarch into a shallow bowl. Gently roll each tofu fillet to coat all sides; return to the tray on its side.
Step 7: Pan-fry until crisp
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Add sesame oil and place tofu on its side; cook 2 minutes. Flip tops face-down; cook 2 minutes. Flip to the second side; cook 2 minutes. Finish with nori side down; cook 2 minutes, then stand on the back for 1–2 minutes until evenly crisp.
Step 8: Finish and serve
Season to taste with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
Ingredients
- 450g of extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup of vegetable stock
- 1 sheet of nori (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp of rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of sesame oil
- ¼ tsp of liquid smoke
- 3 slices of beet (pickled or fresh)
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- ¼ tsp of salt
- ¼ tsp of ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp of light brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- 1 tbsp of ginger (minced)
- ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes
- 1 sheet of nori (cut into strips)
- ½ cup of cornstarch
- 2 tbsp of sesame oil
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup of cilantro (chopped)
- 4 lemon wedges
Nutritional Info
per serving
- Calories:
- 295kcal
- Protein:
- 10.5g
- Carbs:
- 27g
- Fat:
- 15.5g