Step 1

Start by preparing your tofu to marinate. Gently pat dry with a kitchen towel and make diagonal cuts across the top of the tofu block in both directions to form an x pattern throughout. Be sure not to cut too far into the tofu, it should just be a light score.

Step 2

Whisk together tamari, lime juice, garlic and onion powder, liquid smoke, paprika, nutritional yeast and black pepper until smooth. Place your tofu blocks in an airtight container and pour marinade on top. Allow to marinate for about 1 hour, then flip the tofu to ensure all sides are exposed to the marinade.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 375F and line a baking tray with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. Add your remaining marinade to a small sauce pan and add sugar. Cook on low heat until sugar is dissolved, whisking constantly, then bring to a low simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Brush all sides of your tofu with your simmered marinade and pop into the oven to bake for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush all sides again with marinade and bake again for 5 minutes. Repeat once more, brushing and baking for 5 minutes this time.

Step 5

Remove your tofu from the oven and give it one more light brush of marinade and using a blowtorch, lightly torch to caramelize and char further.

Step 6

Add veggie broth to a small sauce pan and bring to a low simmer.

Step 7

In a small ramekin or bowl, whisk a few tablespoons of your hot broth and cornstarch until dissolved to create a slurry. Add this mixture into the sauce pan and whisk.

Step 8

Next add garlic powder, onion powder, tamari, nutritional yeast and fresh thyme. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture reduces and thickens and you end up with a gravy-like texture.

Step 9

Season with salt and pepper as needed and enjoy!