Name: Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a new weeknight wonder that’s bursting with flavor, you absolutely have to try Garlic Herb Butter Tofu. This dish delivers gorgeously golden cubes of tofu, swaddled in a luscious, garlicky herb butter sauce—each bite is savory, herby, and so moreish. Whether you’re in it for the protein, the crispy edges, or that melty butter coating, Garlic Herb Butter Tofu checks every box for ease and crave-worthy taste. It’s comfort food for herb lovers and the perfect way to win over any tofu skeptic!

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It doesn’t take much to create big, bold flavors—just a handful of kitchen staples and a couple of fresh touches. Each of these ingredients brings something vital to Garlic Herb Butter Tofu, from the velvety richness of butter to the aromatic pop of fresh parsley.

Extra-firm tofu (14 oz): This sturdy tofu gives you the best crispy edges and absorbs all that garlicky, herby butter goodness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The secret to that golden crust while keeping things light and flavorful.
Unsalted butter or vegan butter (3 tablespoons): Adds a rich and creamy finish—vegan butter keeps it dairy-free and just as delicious.
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): For that unmistakable, heady garlic kick—don’t be shy!
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend brings instant Mediterranean flair with oregano, basil, and more.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and warmth to the herb mix.
Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a fragrant, piney hit that pairs perfectly with butter.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all those flavors together and seasoning every bite.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch for subtle heat and depth.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): That fresh and colorful sprinkle at the end makes every plate look and taste lively.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Tofu

Step 1: Press and Prepare the Tofu

This first step is your ticket to crispy perfection. Press the extra-firm tofu for at least 20 minutes using a tofu press or by sandwiching it between towels and placing a heavy object on top. Removing as much moisture as possible ensures those golden edges and prepares the tofu to soak up the flavor from the herb butter sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Tofu to Golden Goodness

Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add your cubed tofu in a single layer. Let each side turn golden and a little crisp, giving it about 8 to 10 minutes total and turning the cubes occasionally. This step is absolutely worth it for those irresistible crispy bites that make Garlic Herb Butter Tofu so satisfying.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Herb Butter

With the tofu golden on all sides, reduce the heat to medium and add your butter (or vegan butter) straight into the pan. Let it melt and bubble, then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tofu cubes to coat them completely—let everything sizzle together for a minute or two until the kitchen smells like pure heaven and the tofu is thoroughly glazed in herby, garlicky butter.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove your skillet from the heat and immediately sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the tofu. The burst of green adds a final fresh note and a pop of color! That’s it—you’re ready to plate up your irresistible Garlic Herb Butter Tofu and serve it while it’s warm and glossy.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Tofu

Garnishes

There’s nothing like adding a personal touch to the final presentation! A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you could try a scattering of thinly sliced chives, toasted pine nuts, or even some fresh lemon zest for an extra zing. That bright green topping gives Garlic Herb Butter Tofu its fresh look and irresistible aroma.

Side Dishes

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is endlessly versatile! Pair it with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple lemony pasta for a comforting meal. It also plays perfectly with roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad, soaking up anything on the plate with its rich, herby sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling creative? Try piling the tofu on toasted artisan bread for a lush open-faced sandwich or add it to grain bowls with quinoa, greens, and pickled onions. For a light lunch, tuck Garlic Herb Butter Tofu into lettuce wraps, or thread the cubes on skewers for an eye-catching appetizer at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Garlic Herb Butter Tofu into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making the leftovers even more savory and satisfying the next day—just remember to cool the tofu completely before storing to maintain its texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this dish, let the tofu cool completely, then arrange the cubes on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag or container. Garlic Herb Butter Tofu will keep well for up to one month in the freezer—perfect for batch cooking or future craving emergencies!

Reheating

For the crispiest texture, reheat your tofu in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water if needed. You can also microwave it for convenience, though the edges may soften a bit. Either way, Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is just as delicious the second (or third) time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of tofu?

Extra-firm tofu really works best because it crisps up so nicely, but you can use firm tofu in a pinch. Just make sure to press out as much moisture as you can before cooking to achieve that wonderful texture.

Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the regular butter for your favorite vegan butter brand and you’ll have vegan Garlic Herb Butter Tofu that tastes just as rich and satisfying.

What do I do if my tofu sticks to the pan?

If the tofu is sticking, make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the tofu, and use enough olive oil for a slick surface. A good nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan is your best friend here.

Can I make Garlic Herb Butter Tofu ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep and cook the tofu, then store it in the fridge and quickly reheat it right before serving. The flavors really meld together as it sits, so it actually gets better with a little time.

What other herbs work well in this recipe?

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu is wonderfully adaptable—fresh basil, dill, chives, or even a hint of sage can bring a new twist. Just use what you have and enjoy creating your own signature herb blend!

Final Thoughts

If you love simple recipes with knockout flavor, you owe it to yourself to try Garlic Herb Butter Tofu. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain addictive—one of those memorable dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the incredible aroma of this herby, garlicky masterpiece!

Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the delicious flavors of garlic herb butter tofu with this simple and flavorful recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this dish is a perfect vegetarian and gluten-free option for a main course or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu:

14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes

Garlic Herb Butter:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Press Tofu: Press tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Cook Tofu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Coat Tofu: Toss tofu in the garlic herb butter for 1–2 minutes until well coated and fragrant.
Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.