Description
This Blackberry Glazed Tofu with Black Pepper & Chili is a savory and sweet plant-based dish featuring crispy tofu cubes coated in a rich, jammy blackberry glaze with a hint of balsamic vinegar and spice. It’s a unique and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or Tamari/soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
- Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
For the Blackberry Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or ground chilies
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh sage or thyme leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Press the Tofu
- Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Cook the Tofu
To Air Fry:
- Toss tofu cubes with olive oil, coconut aminos, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with arrowroot starch and mix until well coated.
- Place the tofu in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are spaced out.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
To Pan Fry:
- Toss tofu cubes with coconut aminos, salt, and pepper, then coat with arrowroot starch.
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Blackberry Glaze
- In a small sauté pan over medium heat, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, black pepper, chili flakes, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then smash the blackberries with a spatula until the glaze becomes jammy.
- If the glaze is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Glaze the Tofu
- Toss the crispy tofu in the blackberry glaze until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Pressing Tofu: Essential for achieving crispy tofu. Use a tofu press or wrap in paper towels and place a heavy object on top.
- Glaze Thickness: Adjust with water as needed for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air frying or pan frying
- Cuisine: Plant-based, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg