EASY AND QUICK TOFU GROUND BEEF
If you are searching for a plant-based option to satisfy your desire for a meaty texture in your meals, try the Tofu Ground Beef recipe!This recipe is free of gluten, nut, and oil.
Equipment
- 1 Tofu Press
- 2 mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu (396 g.)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare your tofu by draining and pressing out any excess liquid*. Using your hands, a fork, or a potato masher, crumble the tofu into a bowl until it resembles ground beef.
- Combine the soy sauce (or tamari), tomato paste, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika powder in a small mixing bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the crumbled tofu and mix well (gently), ensuring that the tofu is evenly coated**.
- Spread the marinated tofu crumbs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, forming a thin layer. It's essential to spread the mixture thinly for even cooking and browning.
- Bake the vegan ground beef in the center rack of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the mixture is slightly crispy and browned. Check and stir the mixture every few minutes to ensure even baking and achieve your desired texture. Be cautious not to burn it.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes—adjust season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy as is or in your favorite dishes calling for ground beef.
Notes
• *Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes, at best 4 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
• **For a more flavorful tofu ground beef, marinate it for at least 20 minutes. If you have the time, leaving it overnight in the fridge is the optimal choice. The longer the marination process, the more flavor the tofu will absorb.
• You can cook this tofu ground beef in a skillet on the stovetop; however, the texture is better when you cook it in the oven.
• Adjust the time of cooking to your liking. The longer you cook the tofu, the crispier it will be.
• This seasoning is perfect for adding versatility to various recipes. However, you can add spices to customize the tofu ground meat to your desired taste or adapt it to specific recipes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-5 days after it has been cooled down.
• To freeze the vegan ground beef, let it cool and store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months and should be thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating directly on the recipe or in the oven for 10 to 15 min.