Spice-Crusted Tofu

Name: Spice-Crusted Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 (14- to 16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, or to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons boiling water; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 4 teaspoons honey; 3 tablespoons pine nuts

Recipe GLPR8ce33271c96c8a

Mediterranean

Main Course

25 min

163 cal

Servings: 4

Stovetop

SNAP eligible

Crispy, aromatic tofu slices coated in a warm blend of cumin, coriander, and paprika, finished with a drizzle of honey and topped with toasted pine nuts. A simple yet flavorful vegetarian main course with Middle Eastern spice notes.

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Ingredients

1 (14- to 16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, or to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons boiling water

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4 teaspoons honey

3 tablespoons pine nuts

Directions

Drain the tofu package and place the block on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Wrap it gently and press for 5-10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Unwrap and slice the tofu into 1/2-inch-thick rectangular slabs.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set the spice mixture aside.
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully arrange the tofu slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
Flip each tofu slice gently and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the cooked tofu to a serving plate.
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all the hot tofu slices, coating both sides as much as possible.
In a small bowl, whisk together the boiling water, lemon juice, and honey until the honey dissolves completely. Drizzle this mixture over the spiced tofu.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Scatter the toasted pine nuts over the tofu and serve immediately.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

Tofu and spices are reliable finds at all major Charlotte chains, but pine nuts demand a specialty stop—either Harris Teeter's premium section or a trip to an international market, adding real cost and inconvenience to a weeknight. The actual prep time runs closer to 35–40 minutes when you account for pressing tofu and getting a crust to set properly, not the stated 25. At roughly $3.50–4.00 per serving, the cost lands in the middle-to-high range, driven mostly by the pine nuts and quality tofu. It's a solid meatless option that holds reasonably well as a leftover, though the crust softens on reheating, and it suits someone willing to plan a targeted grocery stop but not a grab-and-go weeknight cook.