tofu steaks with paprika & thyme

tofu steaks with paprika & thyme
serves 2

Tofu needs a helping hand in the flavour department. Enter one of my favourite spices, smoked paprika and thyme, the most fragrant herb.

I love this method of cooking tofu to celebrate its meaty texture, rather than hiding it in a stir fry.

300g (10oz) firm tofu
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons thyme leaves
baby spinach leaves, to serve

1. Heat a medium skillet on a high heat. Chop tofu into two steaks and pat dry.

2. Add a little oil to the pan and sear steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side or until well browned.

3. Meanwhile, combine paprika, vinegar, thyme and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Taste and season. Adding more oil or vinegar if you think it needs it.

4. Divide tofu between 2 plates and top with the dressing and spinach leaves.

prepare ahead?

You could make the dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge. There’s really no point in pre-cooking the tofu as it will take just as long to reheat it.

leftover potential

Will keep for a week or so in the fridge.

variations for fun

carnivore – replace the tofu with beef steaks or lamb chops.

soy-free – replace the tofu with field mushrooms or eggplant sliced thickly. If using eggplant cover when cooking and use a medium heat. WIll take about 15 minutes.

more substantial – serve with a more veg intensive salad or the fibre packed greens.

can’t find smoked paprika? – replace with regular paprika or use a little cayenne pepper (start with 1/2 teaspoon) instead.

hot – add in 1/2 – 1 teaspoon dried chilli powder.

problem solving guide

burnt tofu – Keep an eye on the tofu and if it’s browning too quickly, turn the heat down.

tofu sticking to the pan – make sure the pan is hot before you add the tofu and be generous with the oil. Although not too generous excess oil can smoke as the steaks cook, especially if your pan is large and there’s quite a bit of excess surface area not covered by the tofu.

bland – always a risk with tofu so make sure your dressing is well seasoned and has enough vinegar so the flavours sing. More thyme will help with the aromatics.

short on time? – cut the tofu into 4 thin ‘minute steaks’ and cook for a minute on each side – ot until brown enough for you.

serving suggestions

A quick meal on its own.. Feel free to serve with a more elaborate vegetable or salad side dish.

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