Runner-Up Marinade

on February 24, 2011

in Girls on the Run and Operation Beautiful

The original Perfect Baked Tofu recipe is definitely one of my favorites. This recipe, while NOT perfect, is still pretty good. :)

All you need for this Runner-Up Marinade is BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and yellow mustard. Part of why it’s so good is that this recipe is incredibly simple. 🙂

You also need a square of extra firm tofu, of course. Before anything else, you need to drain the tofu.

Thus… Step #1: Cut into one-inch cubes.

Step #2: Wrap in several paper towels and squeeze gently.

Step #3: Repeat Step #2!

Step #4: Combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, and 1.5 tablespoons yellow mustard in a small bowl.

Step #5: Coat the tofu, put on a greased cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

So easy – it’s perfect. 😉

With sweet potatoes, millet, and spinach with balsamic.

Millet is a new grain to me – it’s good but a little plain on it’s own… I liked it more in this breakfast recipe than as a side dish for dinner. It’s dry! I ended up adding a bunch of BBQ sauce to it.

Snackies included another one of Anne P’s bars and some olive bread and toast, which I inhaled as the Husband drove to Girls on the Run.

Today, we talked about how to handle uncomfortable emotions in a healthy way…. and about five of the girls ran TWO WHOLE MILES. It was amazing! 🙂 So proud.

What’s your favorite way to eat tofu? Mine is fried and stuffed inside a sushi roll. 🙂

{ 76 comments }

julie (etsy stalkers) February 24, 2011, 8:07 pm
I love to coat my tofu in breadcrumbs and some parm cheese. Then I cook it on the stove top in a little EVOO. It’s so good even my kids eat it. Nom. Nom. Nom.
Amber K February 24, 2011, 8:17 pm
Haven’t been able to find a way yet. Although this way might actually convince my husband to try it. I think if I let him, his blood would slowly turned into BBQ sauce. 😉 I can’t stand the smell of the stuff and he dumps it on EVERYTHING!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine February 24, 2011, 8:19 pm
My favorite way is in a tofu pita pocket!! They sell them at delis in NYC and are one of my favorite foods, despite the fact that they’re prepackaged. Sooo good!
erica February 24, 2011, 8:27 pm
i love that action shot 🙂
i need to try baked tofu!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) February 24, 2011, 8:27 pm
I love the chili-lime encrusted tofu from veganomicon. it’s delicious – spicy and crunchy and yum!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 24, 2011, 8:32 pm
I’m not a huge tofu fan – maybe because I haven’t tried Perfect Baked Tofu yet!
courtney @ the granola chronicles February 24, 2011, 8:32 pm
I tried your perfect marinade on Tuesday – my husband and I both really enjoyed it! I’ll have to try this one next!
Camille February 24, 2011, 8:37 pm
Mm, I love tofu!
And I also love that photo of the pouring quinoa!
The Peanut Butter Addict February 24, 2011, 8:37 pm
This seems like an interesting tofu flavor! I’ve followed your recipe for the perfect baked tofu before and enjoyed it a lot.
Carolyn @ eatlivebewell. wordpress.com February 24, 2011, 8:39 pm
How long did you bake the tofu for? It wasn’t included above.

I love peanut tofu cooked WELL done, crispy edge.
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:18 am
  Sorry, edited the post – 20 minutes!
  - Carolyn @Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. February 25, 2011, 10:22 am
    Seriously… only 20 minutes and it is THAT browned? I must seriously be cooking tofu wrong. I can never get it “crispy.”
    - Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:29 am
      It wasn’t crispy – you could do it for a few more minutes and it prob would! The key is to press it and cut it into tiny squares.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 24, 2011, 8:46 pm
That tofu looks amazing!!!!
Parita @ myinnershakti February 24, 2011, 8:48 pm
In Pad Thai – YUMMY! I’ve been meaning to try some baked tofu but just haven’t had the chance yet. Who knows…maybe it’ll be my next favorite!
Joanna @ Drizzle of Sunshine February 24, 2011, 8:51 pm
I love it in soups or fried and dipped in soy sauce. I just tried Stinky tofu for the first time, I just wrote a post on in the other day and OMG it is the WORST thing I’ve ever had in my life!! I have you ever tried it that way? It’s CRAZY!!!
Michelle February 24, 2011, 8:55 pm
My favorite way to eat tofu is when someone else makes it. I’ve tried a million times and I can’t make it edible!! I do love millet though! I usually make millet bowls for lunch at work! I mix pre cooked millet, broccoli, artichoke hearts abs feta cheese and heat slightly. Then I top it with any arugula and Greek dressing. Yum!
- Allison @ Happy Tales February 24, 2011, 10:46 pm
  whoa, that sounds amazingly delicious!!
Caitlin @ TPL February 24, 2011, 8:55 pm
O looks great! My current favorite way is in tofu-salad (like egg salad). Just mushed up tofu with nutritional yeast, dijon and some spices… so good!
Katy (The Singing Runner) February 24, 2011, 9:02 pm
Besides your baked tofu, my favorite way to eat tofu is with lemon and rosemary. 🙂
Ashley February 24, 2011, 9:06 pm
I love fried tofu but I think barbeque tofu is my favorite. That looks really great too!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) February 24, 2011, 9:07 pm
My favorite way to eat tofu is actually your recipe for Perfect Tofu! I’ve made it several times, and my husband and I eat it like candy!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 24, 2011, 9:09 pm
I like tofu best in a stir-fry.
Baking 'n' Books February 24, 2011, 9:11 pm
As long as there’s a pound of sauteed veggies, some form of meat and squash or a grain involved – it’s good 😉

I’ve actually been having some Tempeh lately that’s pre-marinated in sesame and garlic – so freaking good!

Never tried millet – but I’ve read that it has the highest protein content of grains??
Cyndi @ Weightless Life February 24, 2011, 9:16 pm
Mmmm…fried tofu! I really love baked tofu, but I kind of like the taste of it plain as well.
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) February 24, 2011, 9:18 pm
I don’t eat tofu. It weirds me out a little. I probably need to just get over it. I did have tofu in these spring rolls at a party and they tasted good. Hmmm…..
Maren February 24, 2011, 9:43 pm
Mine is in miso soup 😉 We start GOTR on Monday, I am so pumped!!
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:17 am
  Oh have fun!!!!
Lee February 24, 2011, 9:59 pm
I agree that fried is the best way to eat tofu. I like fried tofu in a noodle soup or a thai dish.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) February 24, 2011, 10:03 pm
You know, I don’t miss dairy, but I miss tofu. Sadly, I am allergic. When I ate it, I loved it baked. Dinner looks perfect!
JillToday February 24, 2011, 10:06 pm
Wowza, I am always in the market for another tofu marinade. I had a conversation today with my boss (I live in TX mind you) and I told her my fiance and I rarely eat meat and she’s like “OMG what do you eat?!?!” It was like I killed her first born. hahaha. I thought you might appreciate the story!
Matt February 24, 2011, 10:19 pm
Use millet like grits and you will not be a boner
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:16 am
  hahahh whaaaaaaaaaa
Lizz @ Leading the Good Life February 24, 2011, 10:22 pm
Have you ever tried inari sushi? It is a pocket made out of fried tofu that is stuffed with sushi rice. Sounds weird, but it’s really tasty! One of my go-tos at a sushi restaurant.
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:16 am
  I’ve tried inari tofu in sushi, but none of this tofu pocket thing. I want one!
Sara @ OurDogBuffy February 24, 2011, 10:39 pm
I want to love tofu, but it’s consistency freaks me out a little bit. I battled my chickpea and hummus fears–now I love both–time to tackle the tofu. So far, only really-really fried have I been able to stand it. But I have a block in the ‘fridge waiting to be turned into something delish.
Fit Chick Britt February 24, 2011, 10:41 pm
I’ve only made tofu once. I actually threw it in stir fry to kinda trick the hubby into eating it. He seriously didn’t even know, and thought it was chicken (shh… he still doesn’t know). I, on the other hand, couldn’t take the texture. I think I’ll bake it to try to get it crispy next time.
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:14 am
  Hahah I love it when people trick meat eaters into eating tofu and they don’t realize it’s not meat.
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} February 24, 2011, 10:42 pm
I like to dry fry my tofu and then add a sauce that will create a glaze and make it crispy on the outside. I learned this technique from Vegan Yum Yum and it’s by far my favorite way to enjoy tofu.
Alex @ Healing Beauty February 24, 2011, 11:06 pm
The best tofu dish I’ve ever had is flash fried tofu served with soy ginger dressing and steamed veggies on the side. Delicious!!!
sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 24, 2011, 11:23 pm
i like to pan-fry tofu…it get sooo crispy. i don’t like mushy tofu!
Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition February 24, 2011, 11:24 pm
Yum, I am always looking for new marinades to try!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables February 24, 2011, 11:25 pm
Yum! This looks like a great tofu recipe! I like it fried, hehe 🙂
annette @ enjoyyourhealthylife February 24, 2011, 11:37 pm
WHoa, I have to try this recipe! 🙂 I like it really any way-in smoothies, baked into casseroles, as a baked side……yummm!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 24, 2011, 11:37 pm
I love tofu any way! I’m partial to fried, although I never fry it at home because I’m scared of hot oil flying in my face 🙂
Marilyn @ Lipgloss and Spandex February 25, 2011, 12:02 am
Thanks for the recipe! I like that it’s easy and healthy, because I’m trying to start cooking more. 🙂
Runeatrepeat February 25, 2011, 12:10 am
I like getting the high protein tofu from TJ’s that isn’t packed in water so I can skip the squeezing step. Then, I stir-fry it up!
Nicole February 25, 2011, 12:55 am
Plain w/ braggs amino acids. That’s my favorite.
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:13 am
  Yum, braggs!
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write February 25, 2011, 1:13 am
I love tofu. I’ll eat it almost anyway, honestly. I love it breaded with panko crumbs and spices. I love it smothered in a yummy Thai sauce. Just about anyway works for me.

I’ve never had it in a sushi roll though!
Rachel @ Healthy Teacher February 25, 2011, 1:19 am
This looks delish. I’ve had tofu once at home, and it wasn’t perfect. Or good. It was actually tasteless. I should try your way.
Eliza February 25, 2011, 1:39 am
everything tastes good fried and in a sushi roll! but I do loveeee tofu
Marina February 25, 2011, 1:44 am
I love tofu dipped in coconut or sesame seeds, and than baked in the oven for about 20 mint. Pairs with sweet potato so perfectly!
Maura February 25, 2011, 2:37 am
PF Chang’s has this dish called crispy tofu. Not homemade and very chain-like…but damn it’s good.
Lauren February 25, 2011, 7:10 am
This sounds delicious!! I love mustard in marinades.
Kara February 25, 2011, 8:00 am
I enjoy tofu covered in melted cheese!

I just saw that my Wheat Thins have millet in them, so now they are a health food, right?
Rachel February 25, 2011, 8:11 am
If you ever get a chance, you should get Twin Oak tofu. It is by far the best brand I’ve had. I know they sell it at my EarthFare. There isn’t any water that needs to be pressed out. All you have to do it cut it up and go! Yummy!
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:12 am
  Really? I love the idea of not having to press tofu. So annoying.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 25, 2011, 8:45 am
I tried your perfect tofu and I loved it! I’ll have to give this recipe a try. 😀
faith February 25, 2011, 8:58 am
Breaded in nutritional yeast and soy sauce and pan-fried in coconut oil!! I think I better make that for lunch…mmmm
Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 25, 2011, 8:58 am
Love that millet picture Caitlin! It looks super artsy and professional :).
Kathie February 25, 2011, 9:27 am
looks soo good!!! i have yet to try millet. would i happen to be able to get this in a general food store? or is this one of those items only WF’s would carry?
- Caitlin February 25, 2011, 10:12 am
  It just depends… I think I’ve seen in in regular grocery stores, but it’s probably more price friendly to buy it out of bulk bins at stores like Earth Fare and Whole Foods.
Erica February 25, 2011, 9:29 am
I just started making millet myself. I have to add a little more water than it calls for (so if I make 1/2 cup millet, I use 1 1/3 cup water instead of 1), and I cook it in a smaller pot so that the water doesn’t cook off before the millet soaks it up. I also started cooking it with things like vegetable broth, crushed garlic or a bay leaf to impart a little more flavor.

This is almost the same meal that my hubby and I had last night, but we had beans instead of tofu! My favorite way to eat tofu is in Thai Food!
Ashley February 25, 2011, 9:31 am
I really never eat it! I’m a meaty, so sometimes I’ll slip tofu into desserts, or I’ll have it in my soup at chinese places, but that’s about it!
Brandy February 25, 2011, 9:42 am
My favorite way to eat tofu is deep fried. Coat it with cornstarch, let sit for about 20 minutes, then deep fry and add soy sauce when it’s done. Almost taste like tator tots. Probably just as bad for you!
Amara February 25, 2011, 9:56 am
OK, I saw those bars on your post yesterday and looked ’em up and made them right away. LOVE THEM!! Thank you –so easy to make too. I just like chunking up tofu and cooking it in a little soy sauce. I could eat a whole pound like that easy. I like millet in the morning with honey cinnamon and almond milk –or especially with date sugar.
Charise February 25, 2011, 10:01 am
Extra firm, stir-fried, sauced with rice vinegar + soy + sesame oil, topped with sriracha, served over brown rice with side of some sort of sauteed greens.
Stefanie D February 25, 2011, 10:12 am
does anyone know if tofu goes bad…I have had some in pantry
for about 1 year!! i want to try this recipe
Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 25, 2011, 10:48 am
My favorite way to eat tofu is scrambled with veggies, add tumeric, nutritional yeast flakes, oregano, paprika… mmmm.
Tammy February 25, 2011, 11:36 am
Hi Caitlin,
I’ve never posted on your blog before, but I follow you regularly. 🙂 OhSheGlows got me hooked on you. Anyhow, I am excited to try this BBQ recipe. I think it will be delish! I wanted to let you know about a gadget I bought — http://www.tofuxpress.com/. I used to pat dry my tofu like you mentioned, but this thing is amazing and gets so much of the water out. Although you can press it overnight, I find it only really needs about 10-20 minutes to get all the water out. I eat a lot of tofu so this was a worthwhile purchase for me. Just thought I would pass that along.

P.S. An early congrats on your second book!
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count February 25, 2011, 11:50 am
Caitlin! Thanks so much for the 2 baked tofu recipes! I’ve been looking for an easy way to change up my tofu. These are great! I’ll let you know how I do!
Fran
Katie G. February 25, 2011, 3:53 pm
Yay for another tofu recipe! I tried your perfect bakesd tofu earlier this week and it was delicious!!
Jen February 25, 2011, 6:06 pm
I made your perfect baked tofu the other night and now I am obsessed. I also made it again last night, ate the whole batch before the Mister even came home. “I had some tofu” was my answer as to whether I’d eaten. Um, yeah. Amazing.
Jackie March 3, 2011, 10:18 pm
Caitlin, I just found your blog coz of the Marie Claire article and I love your blog (and agree with you that the reporter was biased). I tried your baked tofu recipe for dinner tonight on a salad, except I didn’t have any chili powder, paprika OR sesame seeds. So of course, I did some major modifications by putting in a tsp of Thai curry paste and a tsp of sesame paste instead. It was amazing!
- Caitlin March 4, 2011, 2:39 pm
  Hi Jackie! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂 I’m glad you liked the recipe!

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