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Lemon Pepper Tofu and Asparagus Recipe

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4.4 from 83 reviews

This Lemon Pepper Tofu and Asparagus recipe features crispy, seasoned tofu coated in a zesty lemon and cracked black pepper sauce, paired with perfectly roasted asparagus. It’s quick and easy to make, taking under 30 minutes, and offers a vibrant, flavorful plant-based meal.

Ingredients

Asparagus

  • 1 lb asparagus, woody stems removed
  • 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Juice and zest of half a lemon

Seasoned Tofu

  • 1 (450g) block super firm tofu, cut into cubes or slabs
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp dry thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

Sauce

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Roast Asparagus: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place trimmed asparagus on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with a small splash of avocado oil, then sprinkle nutritional yeast, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Toss well with your hands to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly crisp.
  2. Prepare Tofu Coating: In a dish or bowl, combine cornstarch, nutritional yeast, dry thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Roll tofu pieces in this mixture to coat them evenly on all sides.
  3. Sear Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add coated tofu pieces. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then carefully flip to cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes until golden and firm. Avoid moving the tofu excessively to prevent sticking.
  4. Prepare Lemon Pepper Sauce: While tofu is cooking, whisk together lemon zest and juice, maple syrup, black pepper, vegetable broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.
  5. Cook Sauce and Combine: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the same pan, then sauté crushed garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Return tofu to the pan and toss to coat well in the sauce.
  6. Serve: Plate the lemon pepper tofu alongside the roasted asparagus. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For more pronounced lemon pepper flavor, add 1/4 tsp lemon pepper seasoning to the tofu coating mixture.
  • To improve tofu texture, freeze and thaw the tofu before pressing out the water; this creates a firmer, meatier texture.
  • Cut tofu into your preferred shapes such as slabs, cubes, or triangles, and adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/lemon-pepper-tofu-and-asparagus-recipe/