Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki

Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki Recipe - Vegetarian Japanese Cuisine

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the zesty taste of orange with the warmth of ginger in a savory teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and tofu lovers alike, as it provides a satisfying and protein-packed meal.

History

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to traditional Japanese teriyaki dishes, which typically consist of grilled or broiled meat or fish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. This vegetarian twist on the classic teriyaki recipe replaces the meat with tofu, providing a healthy and plant-based alternative.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp of rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp of honey
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp of minced fresh ginger
1 tsp of orange zest
2 tbsp of orange juice
1 lb (454 g) of firm tofu, cut into 0.25 inch slices

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a 6 x 9 inch baking dish, combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and orange juice.
Whisk the ingredients together until the honey is dissolved.
Arrange the tofu slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed.
Spoon the sauce on top of the tofu.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tofu is lightly browned and slightly firmer.
Serve the tofu cutlets fanned out on each plate.
This recipe makes 4 servings.

Variations

Substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the marinade for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a tropical twist on the teriyaki sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before slicing it to remove excess moisture and allow it to absorb the flavors of the marinade better.

- For a stronger ginger flavor, grate the ginger instead of mincing it.

- To add a spicy kick to the dish, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.

- Serve the tofu teriyaki with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the tofu in the marinade allows it to absorb the flavors and become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the tofu in the sauce overnight for a more intense flavor. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tofu cutlets fanned out on each plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (if using soy sauce with wheat).

Summary

Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the zesty taste of orange with the warmth of ginger in a savory teriyaki sauce. This vegetarian recipe is easy to make and perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my friend, Mrs. Lee, who was known in our neighborhood for her delicious Asian-inspired dishes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most tantalizing aroma of ginger and orange.

Mrs. Lee greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to sit at her kitchen table while she finished preparing her meal. As she moved gracefully around the kitchen, I couldn't help but admire her skill and expertise in the culinary arts. I had always been curious about Asian cooking, but I had never attempted to make any dishes myself.

After a while, Mrs. Lee finally sat down at the table with me and placed a plate of steaming hot Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki in front of me. The tofu was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sauce was a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. With each bite, I could taste the zesty ginger and the tangy orange, perfectly complementing the rich umami of the soy sauce.

I couldn't help but ask Mrs. Lee for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. As she explained the ingredients and the steps involved in making the dish, I felt a surge of excitement and inspiration. I knew that I had to recreate this amazing dish in my own kitchen.

When I returned home that day, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients I would need to make the Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki. I carefully measured out the soy sauce, orange juice, ginger, and other seasonings, making sure to follow Mrs. Lee's instructions to the letter.

As the tofu sizzled in the hot pan, I could already smell the tantalizing aromas wafting through my kitchen. The sauce bubbled and thickened, coating the tofu in a sticky, glossy glaze. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When I took my first bite of the Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki that I had made myself, I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The flavors were even better than I remembered, and I knew that I had unlocked a whole new world of possibilities in my cooking.

From that day on, the Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Mrs. Lee and the wonderful day I had spent in her kitchen.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick, or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. No matter how I chose to make it, the Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki always brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in Mrs. Lee's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and inspiration she shared with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am so grateful to have learned this wonderful recipe that has brought so much joy and flavor into my life.

And so, I will continue to cook and create, always seeking out new recipes and flavors to add to my repertoire. But the Ginger Orange Tofu Teriyaki will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I discovered a new culinary adventure and the joy it brought me.