How do you marinade tofu for the best flavor?

I really enjoy tofu and usually buy it from the big packs at Costco. I keep it in the freezer, then thaw and drain it when I’m ready to cook. Freezing makes it super absorbent for marinades. So, I’m curious… what are your favorite tofu marinades? Any go-to recipes or tips?

Last week, I tried a tofu steak marinade inspired by Miyoko’s recipe, and it was amazing! I used red wine, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, some herbs I had lying around, a bit of tomato paste, soy sauce, and even added a dash of MSG. Definitely worth a try.

I like to mix up 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 2-3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2-3 tablespoons lime juice, a splash of liquid aminos, and some minced garlic and ginger. It’s simple but super flavorful.

Here are a few marinades I love:

  • Bacon-style: 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave, and 1 teaspoon garlic salt.
  • Ham-style: Add 1 teaspoon onion powder and 1 teaspoon paprika to the above mix.

For something more complex, check out this recipe: https://saucestache.com/this-is-real-ketchup-and-its-mind-blowing/. The liquid part of it makes an awesome tofu marinade—it gives the tofu a flavor similar to sausage crust. I like to marinate tofu chunks overnight and cook them in a skillet or air fryer. Pro tip: don’t blend the mushrooms from that recipe. Save them for soups or ramen. You can even dry the paste for mushroom powder. It’s so versatile!

Does anyone know which section in Costco has tofu? I’ve looked but never seem to find it.

Harley said:
Does anyone know which section in Costco has tofu? I’ve looked but never seem to find it.

It’s usually in the refrigerated section. At my Costco, it’s about one aisle over from the cheese section. They come in packs of four.

Harley said:
Does anyone know which section in Costco has tofu? I’ve looked but never seem to find it.

Sadly, not all Costco stores carry it. You might want to ask an employee if they can point you in the right direction or if it’s even stocked at yours.

This might sound weird, but I’ve been using those salad containers you get from Whataburger to marinate my tofu. They’re long and flat, which makes them perfect for a pound of tofu at a time. For recipes, I love the marinades in the Thug Kitchen cookbook.

Tip for everyone: try grilling your tofu before marinating it. The smoky flavor from the grill adds so much depth to the marinade. Plus, grilling helps the tofu hold its shape better if your marinade has acid in it, which can sometimes break down the tofu.

My quick go-to marinade is lime juice, soy sauce, and a little maple syrup. Simple but tasty!