Lime Tofu with Green Beans
From the author: The great thing about tofu is that it's an excellent source of protein and it absorbs the flavor of whatever you cook it with. This particular recipe gives it a sweet flavor from the brown sugar, a little sourness from the lime, and a kick of spice from the pepper. I love this Lime Tofu!
I’m not a huge string bean fan, but it worked well in this recipe …. and they were cheap. You can substitute in any veggie you have a hankering for, though – broccoli, asparagus, snap peas, anything would do. Mix it up and be creative. I also put this with some long-grain brown rice, because that's my favorite.
From Plant-based on a budget: This simple but amazing tasting dish might be the perfect dinner when you don’t want to hustle too much in the kitchen. It’s packed with protein and is a perfect side for some fluffy rice. Let’s dig right into this lime tofu!
Flavored Tofu
You’ve probably heard the misconceptions about how tofu being bland and tasteless before, but you likely heard it from someone who has never properly seasoned or marinated it. With the right spices and the proper cooking methods, tofu can be simply delicious! In order for you to have the best tofu experience, we have a few tips you can follow:
- If you’re preparing the tofu in chunks, scramble, or strips, always try to use extra firm or super firm tofu.
- When possible, dry your tofu out with a clean kitchen towel (that isn’t fuzzy).
- Marinate with some flavorful liquid (like soy sauce or teriyaki sauce) and some spices (like smoked paprika).
Now you know, you can create so many delicious dishes using tofu! Please let us know which is your favorite way to eat it.
Recommended equipment:
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Lime Tofu with Green Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound of green beans trimmed and halved
- Juice of one lime
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- ¾ teaspoon of pepper
- 1 14-ounce package of extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into ½-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 4 teaspoons of brown sugar
- ½ cup of sliced shallots
- Coked brown rice optional
Instructions
- Cook the green beans until they’re bright green (I put them in a pot of boiling water for about 3 minutes, but you can also steam them). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Combine the lime juice, pepper, and soy sauce, and mix in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the tofu and brown sugar and mix until coated. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until tofu becomes golden brown.
- Stir in shallots and cook until they’re translucent, for about 3 minutes. Add the green beans and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the liquid, stir to coat, and cook for a couple of minutes to allow the flavor to cook in. Serve over cooked brown rice (if using).
Notes
- If you’re preparing the tofu in chunks, scramble, or strips, always try to use extra firm or super firm tofu.
- When possible, dry your tofu out with a clean kitchen towel (that isn’t fuzzy).
- Marinate with some flavorful liquid (like soy sauce or teriyaki sauce) and some spices (like smoked paprika).
Nutrition
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About Toni
Welcome to Plant-Based on a Budget! Here you’ll find affordable and easy-to-make recipes, and an inclusive, supportive approach to plant-based eating.
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