Description
A cozy, bold-flavored dinner featuring spicy, smoky blackened tofu served over silky, cheesy corn grits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp oil for cooking
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups liquid (2 cups water + 2 cups unsweetened plant milk)
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan cheddar
- 1–2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- Sliced scallions and lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Press the tofu for 15–30 minutes to remove moisture, then slice it into 1-inch pieces.
- Mix the spice rub and press it onto both sides of the tofu slices.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the tofu until dark crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, cook grits by mixing with water, plant milk, and salt in a pot. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until creamy.
- Finish the grits with vegan cheddar and vegan butter.
- Plate grits first, top with sliced blackened tofu, and garnish with scallions and lemon juice.
Notes
For best texture, store components separately and allow reheating methods that maintain crispness for tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg