Grilled Tofu with Chimichurri Recipe
This Grilled Tofu with Chimichurri is a flavorful and vibrant vegan dish featuring firm tofu marinated and grilled to perfection, served with a zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect as a main or sandwich filling, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz / 396g) firm or extra-firm tofu (not silken), sliced 1/3-inch thick
Chimichurri Marinade
- 1/4 cup (17g) flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons (8g) cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves (8g) garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15g) lemon juice (or substitute with red wine vinegar)
- 1/3 cup (43g) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or substitute with 1 teaspoon fresh oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) table salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons chile pepper flakes (Aleppo flakes recommended)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chile pepper flakes if using. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu block to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean dish towel or paper towels and placing a weight on top for 15-30 minutes. Optionally, freeze and thaw the tofu beforehand to increase firmness. Slice the tofu into 1/3-inch thick pieces and pat dry with a towel.
- Marinate the Tofu: In an airtight container, layer the tofu slices and pour the chimichurri marinade over them. Gently shake or turn the container to coat all tofu pieces evenly. Let the tofu marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator for the best flavor infusion.
- Grill the Tofu: Heat the grill to medium-low heat. Place the marinated tofu slices on the grill and cook for 15-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and grill marks appear.
- Serve: Serve the grilled tofu warm with pilaf, or stuff into pita bread with fresh veggies for a sandwich. Drizzle with leftover chimichurri sauce as a flavorful dressing. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy meal!
Notes
- Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, enabling better marinade absorption and improved texture.
- Freezing and thawing tofu before marinating can yield a chewier and firmer texture.
- If you don’t have a grill, tofu can also be cooked on a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- The chimichurri marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust chile flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 block tofu with sauce (approximately 125g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: grilled tofu, chimichurri sauce, vegan recipe, plant-based protein, vegan grilling, healthy tofu recipe