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Epic Vegan Tofu Adobo Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 68 reviews

This Epic Tofu Adobo is a flavorful vegan twist on the traditional Filipino adobo, featuring braised and air-fried or baked tofu chunks simmered in a savory, tangy soy-vinegar sauce enriched with garlic, black pepper, and brown sugar. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s an easy, protein-packed dish served best over steamed white rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Braising Liquid

  • 17.5 oz firm tofu (500g)
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml)
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar (74ml)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 cup water (240ml, for braising liquid and sauce adjustment)

For Coating and Frying

  • 1/2 tablespoon oil (for coating tofu before baking/air frying)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 – 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar, to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground or cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Braise the Tofu: In a medium saucepan, combine the two crushed garlic cloves, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 3 bay leaves. Tear the firm tofu into roughly two-inch chunks and add them to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a lively simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the tofu with flavor.
  2. Preheat Cooking Appliance: While tofu braises, preheat your oven or air fryer. Set the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) for 10 minutes or the air fryer for 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare Tofu for Crisping: After braising, drain the tofu and reserve the sauce. Gently toss the well-drained tofu with 1/2 tablespoon oil, then add 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch and toss again until evenly coated. Use spoons or spatulas to avoid burning your hands as the tofu will still be hot.
  4. Bake or Air Fry the Tofu: Arrange the coated tofu pieces spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or air fry for 13 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through to turn the pieces for even crisping.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Then add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute, followed by the cracked black pepper, cooking another minute while stirring to prevent burning.
  6. Add Braising Liquid and Seasoning: Pour the reserved braising liquid into the skillet; ensure there is at least 1 cup of liquid by adding water if necessary. Stir in brown sugar, starting with 1 tablespoon and adjusting later to taste. If the tofu isn’t ready yet, remove the pan from heat to prevent burning.
  7. Combine Tofu and Sauce: When tofu is done baking or air frying, add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the tofu. Increase heat to high until the sauce boils, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Finish Cooking and Thicken Sauce: Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for up to 10 more minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
  9. Serve: Serve the Epic Tofu Adobo hot over steamed white rice for a satisfying vegan meal.

Notes

  • Use firm tofu for best texture that holds its shape during braising and crisping.
  • The braising liquid can be adjusted with water if it reduces too much.
  • Adjust brown sugar for your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess.
  • Air frying reduces cooking time and enhances crispness, but baking works well too.
  • Ensure tofu pieces are spaced apart during baking/air frying to avoid steaming.
  • This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or long grain white rice.

Keywords: Tofu adobo, vegan Filipino recipe, braised tofu, air fryer tofu, baked tofu, plant-based adobo

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/epic-vegan-tofu-adobo-recipe/