Pesto Tofu
Pesto tofu is such an easy and flavorful plant based protein to add to pasta, grains, sandwiches, and eat plain. Store bought pesto is a convenient option, or you can make your own Pistachio Pesto or Arugula Basil Pesto.
Servings 1 person
Equipment
- kitchen towel or paper towel
- heavy book or skillet
- Mixing bowl
- rubber spatula
- small baking sheet
- baking mat or parchment paper
- Serving spoon
- saucepan, for pasta optional
Ingredients
Pesto Tofu
- ¼ block extra firm/firm tofu 3-4 ounces
- ¼ cup prepared pesto sauce divided (1 Tablespoon + 3 Tablespoons) or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ⅛ heaping teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Pesto Tofu Pasta
- 2-3 ounces dried pasta
- ½-1 cup chopped vegetables optional
- parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
- lemon juice
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut 3-4 ounces of tofu in half, lengthwise so it's thinner. Lay out in one layer on a towel, wrap in towel and place heavy skillet or book on top. Press for as long as you can, preferably more than 10 minutes-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Prepare pesto sauce: add 1 Tablespoon prepared pesto sauce, heaping ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder to a medium sized mixing bowl. Mix together.
- Crumble pressed tofu into prepared pesto sauce, preferably into medium-larger pieces instead of tiny bites that could burn. Toss gently.
- Transfer to baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stir half way thorough to toss tofu pieces.
- When about 10 minutes remains, prepare pasta according to box directions (if using). You can cook vegetables with pasta, add them with about 1 minute remaining in cooking time. Drain, set aside, covered.
- When tofu is done cooking, add to cooked pasta (if using), add another 2-3 Tablespoons of pesto sauce. Toss together. Taste and add more pesto or salt to preference.
- Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- You can pan fry tofu instead of bake it in the oven. See instructions a few sections above here.
- Substitute tofu for TVP, diced chicken, ground beef or turkey.
- Use your favorite store bought or homemade pesto sauce. I prefer Costco pesto or Trader Joes. You can try either of these Pistachio Pesto or Arugula Basil Pesto recipes that don't use as much/any of the expensive basil and pine nuts.
- Serve your pesto tofu over pasta, in a sandwich, or added to a salad. There are lots of ways to enjoy tofu and pesto sauce.
- Optional Toppings: sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, nutritional yeast.