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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Blanching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Plant-Based
Tofu
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broccoli Rabe
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 8 oz)
- 1–2 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: crispy tofu, broccoli rabe, romesco sauce, plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, tofu steaks, healthy dinner, vegetarian