These Garlic Butter Tofu Bites are easy to make and packed with so much flavor. Each bite bursts with garlic, herbs, and salted butter in this unique tofu dish. Enjoy as a quick, protein-packed snack in the afternoon or make for dinner and serve with your favorite side dishes. These tofu bites are also kid-friendly and would make a great addition to the holiday table this year.
Whether you need a meat-free holiday main dish or are just looking to shake up your dinner routine, these Garlic Butter Tofu Bites are a must-make. They come together quickly and are packed with great flavor from the rich butter and fresh garlic. I love enjoying these crispy tofu nuggets with a side of mashed potatoes and veggies, but they can also be enjoyed as a protein-packed snack.
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Tofu Recipe
- Easy to make – This tofu recipe may look difficult to prepare, but it’s actually quick and easy to make. The tofu crisps up quickly in the pan and is then tossed in the garlic butter herb sauce for a few minutes, until it’s done.
- Packed with flavor – These tofu bites are filled with fresh flavors, like garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The rich butter also adds great taste that makes this recipe feel a little fancy.
- Versatile – These garlic butter tofu bites can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, or prepared for a hearty dinner, served with potatoes and vegetables. They’re also great to have on the holiday table for a vegetarian/vegan turkey alternative.
Why Your Body Will Love This Cozy Tofu Recipe
Protein – Tofu is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to build muscle and repair tissues. Tofu contains 10 grams of protein per half a cup, making it a great plant-based ingredient to incorporate into your diet.
Bone Health – Tofu contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which play a massive role in ensuring you grow and maintain healthy bones. Tofu is also rich in isoflavones, compounds found in plants that can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis, among other benefits.
Weight Loss – Tofu is high in protein and low in calories, which means that it fills you up and keeps you feeling satiated for a long time without adding unnecessary calories. Tofu can keep you fuller for a longer period because it requires a lot of energy for your body to break it down, which can aid in weight management.
Recipe Ingredients
- Tofu – I prefer using a super-firm tofu for this recipe, as it has a great texture and crisps up nicely in the pan. I usually use the tofu (pictured above) from Trader Joe’s, but you should be able to find super-firm tofu at other grocery stores as well. If you can’t find super firm, use extra firm and press as much liquid out of it as you can.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch helps crisp up the tofu and provides a nice coating. Arrowroot powder can also be used.
- Tamari – I like to use tamari to season the tofu, and it creates a nice coating when combined with cornstarch. Soy sauce or liquid aminos can also be used.
- Butter – I like to use salted butter for this recipe, but any butter or butter substitute can be used.
- Herbs – The tofu gets cooked with the rosemary and thyme, and then tossed with fresh parsley once finished cooking. Feel free to use any other herbs that you prefer.
- Garlic – I recommend using fresh garlic for this recipe, as it significantly enhances the flavor of the butter sauce. However, garlic powder can be used as an alternative if fresh garlic is not available.
How To Make Easy Garlic Butter Tofu Bites
- Press tofu, if needed, and then use your hands to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the chunked tofu into a medium-sized bowl and add the tamari and cornstarch. Mix the tofu until it is all equally coated.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and coat the bottom with olive oil, about 1 tablespoon. Once the pan is hot, add the tofu and stir well until it is coated with oil. Cook tofu until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once tofu is finished cooking, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- With the pan still over medium heat, add in the butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook until the butter is melted and the garlic has started to brown, 1-2 minutes. Add in the cooked tofu and stir everything together well. Cook tofu in the garlic butter sauce until heated through, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, to taste, and serve with your favorite side dishes, if desired.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- This recipe is gluten-free.
- Make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter.
- Can these tofu bites be made ahead of time? Yes, you can easily make them ahead of time and then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop when ready to eat.
- How long do leftovers last? If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last for about 4-5 days.
- How should these garlic butter tofu bites be enjoyed? They can be eaten on their own as a protein-packed snack, or you can pair them with mashed potatoes and vegetables, as I did, and enjoy them for dinner.
- Can garlic powder be used? I prefer to use fresh garlic for this recipe, but garlic powder can easily be substituted if needed. I would add about 3/4 – 1 teaspoon.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
Looking For More Flavorful Tofu Recipes?
Print
Garlic Butter Tofu Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Tofu Bites are easy to make and packed with so much flavor. Each bite bursts with garlic, herbs and salted butter in this unique tofu dish. Enjoy as a quick, protein packed, snack in the afternoon or make for dinner and serve with your favorite side dishes. These tofu bites are also kid friendly and would go great on the holiday table this year.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package super firm tofu, patted dry and pressed if needed
- 1 tablespoon tamari, or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or oil of choice
- 2-3 tablespoons butter, use extra butter if you want to be able to drizzle the leftover sauce over the tofu
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Press tofu, if needed, and then use your hands to break it into small, bite sized pieces. Place the chunked tofu into a medium sized bowl and add in the tamari and cornstarch. Mix tofu until it is all equally coated.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and coat the bottom with olive oil, about 1 tablespoon. Once pan is hot, add in the tofu and stir well, until tofu is coated with oil. Cook tofu until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once tofu is finished cooking, remove it from the pan and set aside.
- With the pan still over medium heat, add in the butter, minced garlic, rosemary and thyme. Cook until butter is melted and garlic is starting to brown, 1-2 minutes. Add in the cooked tofu and stir everything together well. Cook tofu in the garlic butter sauce until heated through, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, to taste and serve with your favorite side dishes, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Got any good recipes for cooking tofu crispy in an air fryer?? You have some great recipes, thank you.
I don’t actually have an air-fryer haha, so I don’t have any recipes, but I believe that most of my recipes would work great being cooked in an air fryer!