Name: Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

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Meet your new weeknight hero: Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is a mouthwatering twist on a classic flavor combo. Perfectly golden, crispy tofu cubes are tossed in a dreamy blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and rich butter, then finished with zesty fresh parsley. This dish impresses vegetarians and omnivores alike, comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, and envelopes your kitchen in an irresistible, cozy aroma. If you’re craving a fast, flavorful, and protein-packed dinner, Garlic Herb Butter Tofu truly delivers.

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few straightforward ingredients, each bringing its unique flair, Garlic Herb Butter Tofu captures the essence of comfort food with bold, fresh flavors. Every item on the list plays an important role, from building a savory crust to infusing your tofu with fragrant, buttery goodness.

Extra-Firm Tofu (14 ounces, pressed and cubed): Gives great bite and structure, holding up beautifully to crisping and tossing without falling apart.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): The base for frying, it helps develop a delicious golden crust on your tofu cubes.
Vegan Butter or Regular Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into a luscious sauce, adding deep, rich flavor and that irresistible “buttered” texture.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aroma—fresh garlic perfumes the dish and infuses every bite with warm, savory depth.
Dried Italian Herb Blend (1 teaspoon): A fragrant mix of classics like oregano and basil, lending an herby backbone that pops against the creamy tofu.
Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens the dish at the end, adding vibrant color and a little fresh “zip.”
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning, helping all the other flavors shine and pop.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides mild heat and those classic, earthy notes.
Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a final zing and lifts the other flavors, especially if you love a little tang.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Tofu

Step 1: Prep and Press the Tofu

Start by pressing your tofu for at least 20 minutes. This is crucial—removing excess moisture lets your tofu crisp up beautifully instead of steaming. Use a tofu press or wrap in a clean kitchen towel with a weight on top. Once dry, slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes, perfect for soaking up all that Garlic Herb Butter flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Tofu Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the tofu cubes in a single layer and let them sizzle, turning occasionally for even browning. Give them 8 to 10 minutes to get nicely golden and a little crispy on each side—this will create the ideal texture for your Garlic Herb Butter Tofu.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium, then add butter, minced garlic, Italian herb blend, salt, and black pepper right onto the tofu in the pan. Stir gently as the butter melts, allowing the garlic to mellow and perfume the dish. It only takes 2 to 3 minutes for your kitchen to smell heavenly and for the tofu to become coated in the aromatic, buttery sauce.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley and, if you love a little brightness, the zingy splash of lemon juice. Give everything one last gentle toss in the sauce and let it cook just one more minute. Remove from the heat and serve Garlic Herb Butter Tofu straight from the pan—there’s seriously nothing better!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Tofu

Garnishes

A simple flourish can take Garlic Herb Butter Tofu from cozy to downright stunning. Scatter extra chopped parsley or a touch of fresh lemon zest on top for color and brightness. For a richer presentation, add a final pat of butter to melt gently over the warm tofu just before serving.

Side Dishes

This garlicky, herbed tofu loves good company! Spoon it over fluffy rice, silky mashed potatoes, or a tangle of your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. For a lighter touch, try a pile of roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus—the sauce is delicious drizzled over everything.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, tuck Garlic Herb Butter Tofu into warm pita or flatbread with crunchy greens, or pile it onto a simple salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. For the ultimate savory brunch, top a slice of thick toast with tofu, fresh arugula, and a swoosh of vegan mayo. These little cubes are pretty irresistible just picked up with toothpicks as an appetizer, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra Garlic Herb Butter Tofu and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or speedy next-day lunches. As the flavors meld, you might find it even tastier after a rest!

Freezing

While tofu itself generally freezes well, the buttery, garlic herb coating can change texture when thawed. If you want to make a batch ahead, freeze just the cooked tofu cubes (without the sauce), then quickly reheat and toss with fresh butter and herbs before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To breathe life back into leftovers, simply reheat your Garlic Herb Butter Tofu on the stove in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little extra butter to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crispiness intact.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?

You can, but extra-firm tofu gives the best crispy edges and holds together nicely. If using firm tofu, be extra gentle when turning the cubes, and try pressing it a little longer to draw out more moisture.

How do I make my tofu even crispier?

For ultra-crispy bites, toss the cubed tofu lightly in cornstarch before frying. This extra coating soaks up moisture and creates a deliciously crunchy crust—just what you want if texture is your top priority!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is naturally gluten-free since none of the ingredients contain wheat or gluten. Just double-check your butter and any herb blends if you have allergies or sensitivities, as some brands add fillers.

What’s the best way to press tofu?

If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap your tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, place it between two plates, and set something heavy on top (like a can or cookbook). Let it sit for at least 20 minutes—the drier tofu gets, the crispier it turns once pan-fried.

Can I add more fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is a beautiful blank canvas for any herb you love. Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or even basil to layer on more flavor, or toss in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is the kind of dish that’ll have you sneaking bites from the skillet before it even hits the table. It’s quick, satisfying, and just bursting with flavors everyone loves. Give it a try and make it your own—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Herb Butter Tofu recipe. Perfectly seasoned tofu cubes cooked to golden perfection in a savory garlic herb butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu:

14 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

Press and Cube Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
Cook Tofu: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add tofu cubes, and cook until golden brown.
Add Seasonings: Add butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat tofu.
Finish: Include parsley and lemon juice, cook briefly. Serve warm.