Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu (Print-Friendly Format)

Savory tofu glazed with brown sugar and spices, baked until caramelized. Ideal for vegan or festive meals.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Marinated Tofu

01 - 450 g extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
02 - 1/2 small onion, finely minced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - 45 ml gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
05 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
06 - 15 ml maple syrup
07 - 16 g nutritional yeast
08 - 5 ml chili garlic sauce
09 - 5 ml spicy brown mustard
10 - 10 ml smoked paprika
11 - 5 ml dried thyme
12 - 30–35 whole cloves

→ Brown Sugar Glaze

13 - 45 g dark brown sugar, packed
14 - 15 ml spicy brown mustard

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the tofu block on a shallow plate or tofu press. Weigh it down with a heavy object and press for 3–4 hours to remove excess moisture.
02 - After pressing, position the tofu on a clean cutting board. Use a toothpick or needle to puncture the tofu halfway through all over its surface, then use a sharp knife to cut shallow crosshatch patterns on both the top and bottom.
03 - In a bowl, combine minced onion, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, chili garlic sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, and thyme. Whisk until well blended.
04 - Transfer tofu to a large resealable bag or airtight container. Pour marinade over tofu, seal, and gently shake to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate overnight for optimal flavour absorption.
05 - Preheat the oven to 190°C. Remove tofu from marinade and gently shake off excess. Place tofu on a lined baking sheet. Insert a clove into each crosshatch intersection on the tofu's upper surface.
06 - Bake tofu for 20–25 minutes, allowing edges to brown and the marinade to set.
07 - While baking, blend brown sugar and mustard until consistent. Microwave for 15 seconds and stir until sugar dissolves fully.
08 - With a pastry brush, evenly baste tofu surface with glaze. Return to oven for 10 minutes.
09 - Carefully remove cloves with a fork. Baste all exposed sides with remaining glaze, then bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until glaze caramelizes around tofu edges.
10 - Transfer baked tofu to a cutting board. Slice into individual portions and serve.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For best results, marinate tofu overnight to maximize flavour penetration.
02 - If short on time, use super firm tofu, but expect denser texture and less marinade absorption.
03 - Avoid excess glaze pooling; baste lightly and repeat to encourage caramelization, not burning.
04 - Select gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to maintain gluten-free standards.

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