Tofu in Ancho Chile Lime Marinade

Get ready to elevate your plant-based meals with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Tofu in Ancho Chile Lime Marinade! Made with firm tofu infused in a smoky, tangy blend of ancho chile powder, lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup, this recipe delivers bold, crave-worthy flavors in every bite. The marinade, spiced with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin, pairs beautifully with tofu’s texture, while searing creates a golden, crisp exterior. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish comes together in under an hour (including marinating time!) and can be served with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this tofu recipe is a must-try for fans of Tex-Mex and zesty, protein-packed dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 1 tbsp ancho chile powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block on a plate, cover it with paper towels, and set a heavy object on top for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by combining ancho chile powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 4

Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for stronger flavor.

Step 5

Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.

Step 6

Once the pan is hot, add the marinated tofu cubes, reserving any remaining marinade. Cook the tofu in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7

Sear the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 8

Optional: Pour the remaining marinade into the pan during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and toss the tofu gently to intensify the flavor.

Step 9

Remove from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving dish.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm. Pair with rice, quinoa, or salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	587 grams (587.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	805

Total Fat 61.80g	79%
Saturated Fat 8.90g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2413mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 31.60g	11%
Dietary Fiber 8.20g	29%
Total Sugars 11.90g
Protein 47.20g	94%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 662mg	51%
Iron 9mg	51%
Potassium 1012mg	22%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.8%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 14.5%