Before we delve into this easy tofu recipe, I want to discuss sugar.
As many of you know, I advocate always to check your sugar carefully to make sure it's vegan. Unfortunately, most cane sugar is made white with bone char. Why? To manufacture table sugar from sugarcane, sugarcane stalks are crushed to separate the juice from the pulp. The juice is processed and heated to crystalize, and is then filtered and bleached with bone char to make the sugar white. So bone char is used in most cane sugar unless the manufacturer says it's 100% vegan.
Last year I created a list of sugars that don't use bone char. One of them has become my favorite, and it is called Zulka. Since February is devoted to love and sweet treats, I am creating four recipes using 100% vegan sugar from Zulka.
Sugar gets a bad rap sometimes because of man-made sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup. But sugar isn't high-fructose corn syrup. The scientific name for sugar is sucrose, and it is a natural substance found in plants. So don't be afraid to enjoy some sugar now and then. Here is a little overview about Zulka.
Zulka® Pure Cane Sugars are real, unrefined Non-GMO Project Verified sugars made from freshly-harvested sugar cane and is a better-tasting and less-processed cup-for-cup replacement for refined white, powdered and brown sugars.
None of Zulka’s products undergo conventional refining processes, which remove the complexity and depth of flavor present in raw sugar cafe after it has been pressed. Zulu Pure Cane Sugars reverse the natural properties of the sugar cane plant while retaining a flavor profile that's as close to fresh sugar cane as possible, making it a better alternative to refined sugars used for baking, cooking and beverage recipes as well as all other everyday sugar uses.
With a distinctively pure taste and rich color, Zulka delivers a full-bodied and aromatic sweetness to all your favorite recipes.
You can find Zulka on their website, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.
Today, I created an easy tofu recipe with Zulka's white cane sugar and an assortment of spices. I couldn't believe how delicious this rub was. Even if you are not a big fan of tofu, this sweet, tangy and smokey rub will make it sing. This rub would also be a perfect for tempeh, seitan or any of your favorite proteins.
Hope you enjoy this easy tofu recipe as much as I did. Don't miss any of Ordinary Vegan's free recipes by signing up here. Make sure you come back on 2/8 for my sweet and savory scone recipe with strawberries and coconut cream. Healthy, romantic and perfect for your Valentine!
Thanks to Zulka sugar for sponsoring today's post and to all the vegan food companies who are looking out for us.
An Easy Tofu Recipe That Gets To Shine In A Sweet, Tangy and Smokey Rub
- 1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons Zulka pure cane vegan sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cocoa
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- Dash cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of oil
- ⅓ cup vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh peeled ginger, minced
- 1 small yam, peeled, cut into thin wedges
- 1 bunch kale, veins removed, leaves sliced
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon or lime juice
- Combine all the spices and mix well.
- Cut tofu into eight slices. Dry with paper towels.
- Dredge the tofu liberally with the spice mixture, coating all sides.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan.
- When hot, add the tofu slices and brown on all sides. This only takes a few minutes on each side.
- Meanwhile, heat the vegetable broth in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and onion and saute for a couple of minutes. Add the kale, sweet potato, and lime juice. Cover and reduce heat to low, and cook until potato is tender and the kale is wilted. Approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Arrange the kale and sweet potato mixture on a plate. Overlap tofu slices on top and serve.
What a lovely sweet and spicy flavoring!
Do you think that this rub could be made without any sugar? I’m on a food plan that doesn’t allow any sugar.
Hi Sheila – Yes you could make this without the sugar but you may need something to sweeten it. I would suggest maple syrup and make it more of a paste. Hope that helps. Thanks for reaching out and for being part of our healthy community.
What an amazing way to dress up tofu! Love it! I will be trying this soon. Thanks so much for this recipe.
Came to know more about sugar! And I like the tofu. How can we eat this by itself or with some rice?
Rice would be yummy with it Uma!
Oh this looks so delicious! I love tofu so am always looking for new ways to eat. Great recipe!
I love all those flavors in the tofu! Crispy tofu is so yum! Especially with sautéed greens.
This sounds great, and I love the kale and sweet potato saute to go with!
What? I had no idea sugar could be non-vegan, what a bummer! All the more reason to stay away from it. I appreciate that you put in the effort to compile a list of the vegan sugars out there, thanks for sharing! Oh and the tofu looks amazing, I can’t believe I once though tofu was bland and boring.
is 1/4 cup of chili powder correct? that seems like a lot…
Hi Leslie – Yes that is correct. Thanks for reaching out and happy you are part of our healthy community. Have a great day!