Lemon Pepper Tofu and Asparagus Recipe
A vibrant and healthy Lemon Pepper Tofu and Asparagus recipe featuring perfectly baked asparagus and golden seared tofu coated in a tangy lemon pepper sauce. This dish combines citrusy brightness, nutritional yeast umami, and a hint of spice for a delicious plant-based meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan/Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Asparagus
- 1 lb asparagus, woody stems removed
- 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
Seasoned Tofu
- 1 (450g) block super firm tofu, cut into cubes or slabs
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp dry thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare Asparagus: Preheat the oven to 425°F. On a lined baking sheet, place the trimmed asparagus and drizzle with a small splash of avocado oil. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Toss with your hands to evenly coat the asparagus. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Season Tofu: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, nutritional yeast, dry thyme, salt, and black pepper. Roll the tofu pieces in this mixture until fully coated.
- Sear Tofu: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu pieces and cook without moving them for 3-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy. Avoid stirring too much to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sauce: While tofu cooks, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, black pepper, vegetable broth, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cook Sauce and Finish Tofu: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. Add a teaspoon of oil to the skillet, sauté crushed garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return tofu to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce evenly. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Plate the lemon pepper tofu alongside the roasted asparagus and enjoy a bright, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
Notes
- For extra crisp tofu, press the tofu block for at least 15 minutes before cutting to remove excess moisture.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity in the sauce based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- The red pepper flakes in the sauce are optional; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use super firm tofu to ensure the tofu holds its shape during cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon pepper tofu, asparagus recipe, vegan tofu, plant-based meal, roasted asparagus, tofu stir fry, lemon sauce tofu
