Step 1

Slice your block of tofu into 3/4 to 1-inch (1.9-2.5-cm) thick slabs. I sliced my block into 3-4 slabs.

Step 2

Place them on a tray or container with a cover then leave the to freeze at least overnight to harden. No need to press the tofu or squeeze out the liquid before freezing (because you’ll want the water inside the tofu to crystallise and create the amazing texture!)

Step 3

NOTE: Certain brands and suppliers hold up really well and have a meatier texture while some are more on the spongier side. So it’s also a matter of trial and error and finding which tofu works best.

Step 4

After freezing the tofu, leave it to thaw in room temperature until the ice has melted.

Step 5

When soft, carefully squeeze out the water from the tofu. I did this by carefully placing a slab of tofu between my palms and flattening it to squeeze out the liquid. The tofu will be very delicate at this point so be careful not to over squeeze it since it can easily break apart. Squeeze out the liquid from the remaining tofu.

Step 6

Mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, miso paste, and pepper for the marinade. Rub both sides of each tofu piece. You can leave this to marinate overnight. If not, 1 hour will be good too. Refrigerate your tofu if you’re leaving it to marinate overnight.

Step 7

Add 2-3 tbsp flour on a plate. Place the slabs of tofu to evenly coat in the flour.

Step 8

Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet over high heat. Add some oil to the pan. Once hot, place the slabs of tofu.

Step 9

Leave the tofu to cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the tofu from the pan.

Step 10

Add in the vegan butter. Over medium low heat, leave the butter to simmer while continuously stirring. Allow the butter to start to sizzle and foam up. It’ll turn golden brown and have a nutty aroma.

Step 11

Afterwards, lower the heat, add in the minced garlic and cooked until golden brown and aromatic. Add in the while miso paste, maple syrup, and dark soy sauce (if using). Mix well with the butter until well-incorporated. If you want some spice, you can add some hot sauce of choice.

Step 12

Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add some soy sauce if needed.

Step 13

Add back in the slabs of tofu into the pan. Turn up the heat to medium and allow the sauce to glaze the slabs of tofu.

Step 14

Remove the slabs of tofu. I cooked down a mix of peas, carrots, and corn in the pan with the remaining butter and simply seasoned the vegetable with some salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 15

Remove the vegetable from the pan. Serve with your tofu. These would also be great with rice, noodles, pasta, in wraps, and more. Enjoy!