This Easy Lemon Pepper Tofu and Asparagus dish is light and zesty! It combines crispy tofu with fresh asparagus, all tossed in a bright lemon pepper seasoning that’s perfect for dinner.
You won’t believe how quickly it comes together! Just sauté the veggies, crisp up the tofu, and enjoy a tasty meal that feels fancy but is super easy. I love serving it over rice for a perfect dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. It crispens up nicely. If you’re avoiding tofu, consider tempeh or chickpeas as substitutes for protein.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star here, but if you can’t find it, try green beans or broccoli instead. Each gives a different texture but complements the dish well.
Olive Oil: This oil adds flavor and helps with browning. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a different taste or need a higher smoke point.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon is ideal for the brightest flavor. However, bottled lemon juice works as a substitute if fresh isn’t available. Lime juice can also give a tasty twist.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: If you don’t have lemon pepper, mix equal parts black pepper and lemon zest with a pinch of salt for a similar flavor.
How Do I Achieve Crispy Tofu?
To get perfectly crispy tofu, pressing is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wrap your tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place a heavy object on top (like a cast iron skillet) for at least 20 minutes to squeeze out moisture.
- Cut the pressed tofu into cubes, allowing more surface area to crisp up in the pan.
For cooking, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tofu. This helps achieve that nice golden crust we all love. Sear on each side without moving them around too much for best results!
Easy Lemon Pepper Tofu and Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping and cooking the tofu and asparagus, and around 10 minutes for everything to come together. It’s a quick yet delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu to get rid of any extra water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place something heavy on top (like a cast iron skillet) for at least 20 minutes. After that, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Make the Lemon Pepper Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir it all together until well mixed.
3. Cook the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them gently to avoid breaking the cubes.
4. Season the Tofu:
Once the tofu is nicely browned, pour half of the lemon pepper mixture into the skillet. Stir gently to coat the tofu evenly, then remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Sauté the Asparagus:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the trimmed asparagus and sauté for about 4-6 minutes until it’s tender but still crisp. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the rest of the lemon pepper mixture, stirring frequently to coat the asparagus well.
6. Assemble the Dish:
To plate, arrange the cooked rice on a plate and place the sautéed asparagus on one side. Add the lemon pepper tofu cubes on the other side, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon slices for a touch of brightness. Enjoy your delicious and easy lemon pepper tofu and asparagus!
This recipe is not only simple but also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy the zesty, savory goodness of this dish with some rice or grains for a wholesome meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Vegetable?
Absolutely! While asparagus is delicious, you can substitute it with green beans, bell peppers, or broccoli for a different flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the chosen vegetable to ensure it stays crisp.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or a little olive oil to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just ensure the lemon pepper seasoning you use is gluten-free (check the label), and you’re good to go. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice or other grains.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Just start with about half the amount, taste, and adjust according to your preference, as bottled lemon juice can be more concentrated.
