Lemon Pepper Tofu
Citrusy, zesty, and all around flavor-packed, this vegetarian spin on lemon pepper wings is a staple for weeknight dinners. Make crispy tofu in the air fryer or oven, simmer in the sauce, and enjoy!
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 203kcal
Ingredients
- 14 ounce block extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1 small lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning see note #1!
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest about 1 small lemon
- 1 teaspoon corn starch optional!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes. Using your hands, tear tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to a large bowl. Add the tofu, tossing to coat with a spatula. Seasoned with ¼ teaspoon black pepper, tossing to coat again.
- Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (optional, but keeps tofu from sticking to the baking sheet). Evenly space the tofu so that it's not overlapping.
- Bake at 400F for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway way through. I sometimes bake it up to 40 minutes for ultra-crisp tofu. It's ready when golden, crispy on the outside, and still soft inside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cooked tofu. Drizzle with the lemon pepper sauce, tossing to coat. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling. It should reduce a bit but will not be a thick sauce.For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon corn starch mixed with 1 teaspoon water) and simmer until thickened.Enjoy!
Notes
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Not all lemon pepper seasonings are the same. I recommend choosing a salt-free seasoning like Mrs. Dash if possible. This is what I used in my cookbook and why I recommend a higher amount there (1 ½ tablespoons). Seasonings like Kinder's have a saltier and finer texture, so much less is needed to achieve a similar flavor. I used Kinder's to calculate the nutrition facts here.
- Cookbook: This recipe is in my cookbook but I changed the method to make it a little more hands-off. I also adjusted the lemon pepper seasoning amount based on using a salt vs. salt-free option.
- Air fryer instructions: If using an air fryer, preheat to 375F. You can use less oil, just 1-2 teaspoons. Air fryer for 18-20 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through.
- I typically serve lemon pepper tofu with rice and a roasted or sautéed vegetable, with a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning added to the veg.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 447mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 2mg
