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Golden-brown smothered tofu covered in rich gravy over white rice, garnished with green onion, parsley and hot sauce.

Southern-Style Smothered Tofu

Ashley
This Southern Style Smothered Tofu is a plant-based spin on classic smothered chicken, featuring crispy, seasoned tofu nestled into a rich, savory gravy with onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Served over fluffy rice and finished with green onion, parsley, and Louisiana hot sauce, this comforting tofu recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors of a Southern gravy dinner to the table, without the chicken!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Lunch/Dinner, Main, Main Course, Meal Prep
Servings 4
Calories 453 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons fresh cracked pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 (14 oz) blocks extra-firm tofu, pressed and torn into 1 ½ - inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as vegetable or avocado
  • 3 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Fresh minced chives, for garnish, optional
  • Fresh minced parsley, for garnish, optional
  • Louisiana hot sauce, for serving, optional

Instructions
 

  • Place the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, pepper and salt in a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.
  • Place the torn tofu cubes in a large bowl and sprinkle with the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the reserved seasoning mix. Toss until all the tofu is thoroughly coated.
  • Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook, stirring occasionally, until all sides are browned and crisp around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the crispy tofu from the pan and set aside.
  • To the same pan, add the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onion, bell peppers and celery. Cook, stirring often, until slightly tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic, flour and the rest of the reserved seasoning mix. Cook, stirring often for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the broth, stirring well to remove and clumps. Bring to a simmer.
  • Once at a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the gravy slightly thickens, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add the tofu back into the pan and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
  • Serve over white rice with fresh chives, parsley and a side of hot sauce. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

*nutritional information is based on the the tofu and gravy only, not the rice*

Nutrition

Serving: 377gCalories: 453kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 24gFat: 25gFiber: 6g
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