Crispy Sticky Papriky Soy-y Garlicy Tofu

SERVES

4

DIFFICULTY

Medium

TIME

45 Minutes

Vinnie Cesnik

By guest chefsMainsTofu

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SERVINGS

4

1

Block firm tofu (approx 450g)

2

Tbsp olive oil

1

Tbsp cornstarch

1

tsp salt

1.5

Tbsp black pepper

1.5

Tbsp white pepper

0.5

tsp garlic powder

1

tsp sweet paprika

1

tsp spicy/smokey paprika

60

ml soy sauce

1

Tbsp maple syrup

1

Tbsp pomegranate molasses (or hoisin)

2

tsp cornstarch

2

tsp ground ginger

2

Tbsp coconut oil

2

Tbs butter (or more coconut oil)

1

Small red onion, finely chopped

3

Jarred whole jalapeños

1

tsp chilli flakes

10

Garlic cloves, finely minced

1

sliced fresh chilli to top

Pinch of finely sliced spring onions

Pinch of fried shallots

pinch of white or black seasame seeds (or both!)

Method

At least 1 hour before, chop tofu into equal size cubes (quite big ones are better for this dish – 4cm cubes awesome) and dry in between 2 plates with paper towels. Turn on the oven and pre heat to 200c

In a bowl, coat first in oil, toss. Then add all other dry ingredients and toss. Put on a baking tray and into the oven for 15 minutes, check and flip them once browning, cook for another 10.

While tofu in oven, create the sauce. In a wide frying pan add the coconut oil, onion and chilli flakes and salt.

Add garlic and jalapeños for 1 minute stirring in. Add 60 ml soy sauce, maple syrup, pomegranate molasses, black and white pepper, cornstarch, ground ginger and simmer, adding water if it gets too thick. You want it to be able to coat a back of a spoon but also be able to drop off slowly.

Add in the crisped up tofu and coat all sides of all pieces. Serve once coated and topped with your toppings of fresh chilli, spring onions, fried shallots and seasame seeds.

MORE ABOUT THE CHEF

Vinnie Cesnik

Vinnie Cesnik is a dynamic London-based food content creator celebrated for his vibrant, high-protein recipes that nourish both body and mind. Drawing from his Australian and Slovenian heritage, Vinnie infuses his cooking with a global flair, crafting accessible meals perfect for runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. His engaging personality and sharp sense of humour have earned him an impressive and ever growing social media presence where he inspires others to create unique, protein-packed dishes. Vinnie’s ethos centres on the idea that healthy eating should be both enjoyable and achievable. Specialising in high-protein meals that support running an active lifestyle and its recovery, he caters to a diverse audience, from dedicated athletes to casual home cooks.