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Crispy Tofu Steaks with Broccoli Rabe and Romesco

Crispy Tofu Steaks with Broccoli Rabe and Romesco

Crispy Tofu Steaks with Broccoli Rabe and Romesco is a vibrant plant-based dish featuring perfectly seared tofu with a golden crust, slightly bitter and crunchy broccoli rabe, and a smoky, nutty Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers and almonds. This recipe balances texture, color, and flavor, making it a wholesome, nutritious, and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu

  • 14 oz extra firm tofu
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Broccoli Rabe

  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 8 oz)
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Romesco Sauce

  • 2 roasted red peppers (fresh or jarred, drained)
  • 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Press the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, slice the tofu into thick slabs about half an inch wide to maintain a firm texture when cooking.
  2. Make the Romesco Sauce: Roast red peppers and lightly toast the almonds until fragrant. Combine them in a blender along with garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky to retain texture.
  3. Cook the Broccoli Rabe: Blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes to reduce bitterness. Immediately plunge into ice water to preserve vibrant color and crunch. Then sauté briefly with minced garlic and a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.
  4. Sear the Tofu Steaks: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place tofu slabs carefully and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden-brown and crispy. Be patient to ensure a crust forms without sticking.
  5. Plate and Serve: Arrange crispy tofu steaks over a bed of sautéed broccoli rabe. Drizzle Romesco sauce generously on top. Garnish with toasted almonds or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Press tofu thoroughly to remove moisture for maximum crispiness; use a tofu press or heavy books.
  • Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet to achieve a golden crust and prevent sticking.
  • Don’t skip roasting the red peppers to unlock sweetness and depth in the Romesco sauce.
  • Blanch broccoli rabe before sautéing to reduce bitterness while maintaining crunch.
  • Season tofu lightly before cooking and adjust seasoning in Romesco sauce for balanced flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu, broccoli rabe, romesco sauce, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, tofu steaks, healthy dinner, vegetarian