Vegan Corned Beef With Tofu

If you love the bold flavor of classic corned beef but want a plant based option, this Vegan corned beef with tofu is a recipe you need to try. It is savory, tender, and full of warm spices. The texture is firm yet juicy, and the smell while it cooks is rich and comforting. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or even a special St Patrick’s Day dinner corned beef style celebration without the meat. It is simple, budget friendly, and packed with flavor you will want to make again.

Ingredients

• 2 blocks extra firm tofu, pressed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, chopped

Step By Step Instructions

1. Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove extra water. Slice each block into thick slabs or cubes, depending on how you want to serve it.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, coriander, mustard seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Place the tofu in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavor soaks in.
4. Preheat your oven to 375 F. Arrange the marinated tofu in a baking dish and pour vegetable broth around it.
5. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes around the tofu. Spoon some marinade over the vegetables.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until the edges look slightly crisp.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the tofu holds its shape and stays juicy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Skipping the pressing step. If you do not press tofu, it stays watery and will not absorb the seasoning well.
• Not marinating long enough. Tofu needs time to take in the bold corned beef spices.
• Over baking. Too much time in the oven can dry the tofu and vegetables.
• Using soft tofu. Always choose extra firm for the best texture in this Vegan Corned Beef Tofu recipe.

Tips For Success

• For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge.
• Add a splash of beet juice to the marinade for a light pink color, like classic corned beef recipes.
• Slice the tofu against the short side to create a firmer bite.
• If you enjoy comfort food, you might also like this creamy corned beef casserole idea for more inspiration.

How To Serve

This dish is lovely served hot with mustard or fresh parsley on top. It pairs well with whole grain bread or a side salad. For a full Vegan Corned Beef And Cabbage plate, serve extra sautéed cabbage on the side.

If you want a hearty brunch idea, chop the baked tofu and potatoes and turn it into Vegan Corn Beef Hash. Just pan fry the pieces until golden and crispy on the outside. The edges get slightly crunchy while the inside stays tender.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
• Mix in fresh thyme for a bright herbal touch.
• Use liquid smoke for a deeper, smoky taste.
• For a sweet note, you can brush a little glaze inspired by this apple and brown sugar corned beef flavor combo.

Vegan Corned Beef With Tofu

This vegan corned beef with tofu is warm, cozy, and full of bold flavor. The tofu is firm and juicy, baked with tasty spices and tender veggies. It is easy to make, budget friendly, and perfect for a fun St Patrick’s Day dinner or a simple family meal. Even meat lovers will want seconds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Marinating Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegan Corned Beef Tofu

• 2 blocks extra firm tofu pressed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Vegetables

• 2 cups green cabbage chopped
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 medium potatoes chopped

Equipment

• Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowl
• Aluminum Foil

Method

 

1. Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess water. Slice into thick slabs or cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, coriander, mustard seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Place tofu in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Arrange tofu in a baking dish and pour vegetable broth around it.
5. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes around the tofu. Spoon marinade over vegetables.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until slightly crisp on the edges.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the tofu stays firm and juicy.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Add a splash of beet juice for a pink color similar to traditional corned beef. Store leftovers in an airtight container with broth for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Make Ahead And Storage

This Tofu Corned Beef keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container with some of the cooking broth to keep it moist.

To reheat, warm it gently in a pan with a splash of broth. You can also crumble leftovers into a skillet for Vegan Corned Beef Hash the next day. It tastes even better once the spices settle in.

If you are exploring more Tofu Recipes Healthy and easy, this one fits right into your weekly meal plan. It is simple, hearty, and flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my tofu too soft?

You may have used soft tofu or not pressed it long enough. For the best Vegan Corned Beef Tofu, always use extra firm tofu and press it well before marinating.

Can I cook this on the stove instead of the oven?

Yes, you can simmer everything gently in a covered pan for about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure the broth does not dry out. If you like slow cooked meals, you may also enjoy this slow cooker corned beef and cabbage style recipe for more ideas.

Can I freeze Vegan corned beef with tofu?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. The texture will be slightly firmer after thawing, which many people enjoy in Tofu Recipes Vegan dishes like hash or sandwiches.

Conclusion

This Vegan corned beef with tofu is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make at home. It brings classic comfort to your table in a simple plant based way. The spices are warm, the tofu is tender, and the vegetables are soft and sweet. It is one of those recipes you will want to pin for later. If you enjoyed this recipe, save it to Pinterest and share it with someone who loves creative vegan comfort food.