Name: Golden Herbed Tofu Steaks with Sautéed Greens and Lemon Butter Sauce – A Flavorful Vegan Main Dish That’s Crisp, Bright, and Nourishing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Modern Vegan
Ingredients: 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced into 4 steaks; 1 tbsp olive oil (for tofu); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or chard); 1 tbsp olive oil (for greens); 2 cloves garlic, minced; For the Lemon Butter Sauce:; 2 tbsp vegan butter; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

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Golden Herbed Tofu Steaks with Sautéed Greens and Lemon Butter Sauce is a beautifully balanced vegan dish featuring crisp, pan-seared tofu slices seasoned with herbs, served over tender sautéed greens, and finished with a tangy lemon butter sauce. It’s elegant, protein-rich, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that make it perfect for both everyday meals and dinner occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy golden tofu with a well-seasoned herb crust
Lemon butter sauce adds brightness and depth
A satisfying plant-based main that feels hearty and wholesome
Ideal for meal prep or light entertaining
Gluten-free and vegan adaptable

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tofu steaks:

firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into thick slices
olive oil or vegan butter
garlic powder
dried thyme or rosemary
salt and black pepper
cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for crisping)

For the lemon butter sauce:

vegan butter or regular butter
garlic, minced
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest
fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

For the sautéed greens:

baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard
olive oil
garlic or shallots, finely chopped
pinch of chili flakes (optional)
salt to taste

Directions

Prepare tofu: Press the tofu for at least 15–20 minutes. Slice into thick steaks and coat lightly with cornstarch, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Pan-fry tofu: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sear tofu slices until golden and crisp on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Make lemon butter sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt vegan butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, herbs, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Sauté the greens: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic or shallots. Add greens and cook until wilted. Season with salt and chili flakes if using.
Assemble: Plate the greens, top with tofu steaks, and drizzle with lemon butter sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Use tempeh instead of tofu for a nuttier texture.
Add capers or chopped olives to the lemon butter sauce for briny flavor.
Include roasted vegetables or quinoa for a more complete meal.
Make it spicy with a touch of sriracha or hot sauce in the butter.
Replace butter with tahini-lemon dressing for a nutty variation.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftover tofu and greens separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat tofu in a skillet to restore crispness; greens can be gently reheated in a pan or microwave.
The lemon butter sauce can be stored in a sealed container and reheated gently.
Not ideal for freezing, as tofu texture changes and sauce may separate.

FAQs

What’s the best tofu for pan-searing?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal. Be sure to press out excess moisture for best texture.

Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and golden.

Is the lemon butter sauce vegan?

If made with vegan butter, yes. It’s rich and flavorful without any dairy.

Can I add more protein to the dish?

Tofu provides a complete plant-based protein, but you can serve it with quinoa or lentils for added nutrition.

What herbs go best in this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, dill, or parsley all complement lemon and tofu beautifully.

Can I serve this cold or at room temperature?

It’s best served warm, but the tofu can be used in salads or bowls at room temperature.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just confirm your cornstarch and seasonings are certified.

How do I keep tofu crispy after cooking?

Serve immediately, or reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to restore crispness.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, store it refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, or roasted root vegetables.

Conclusion

Golden Herbed Tofu Steaks with Sautéed Greens and Lemon Butter Sauce is a modern, vibrant take on a plant-based entrée. With its crisp tofu, savory greens, and bright lemon-herb sauce, this dish satisfies on every level. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply looking for a fresh, flavorful meal, this recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity, elegance, and nourishment.

Golden Herbed Tofu Steaks with Sautéed Greens and Lemon Butter Sauce – A Flavorful Vegan Main Dish That’s Crisp, Bright, and Nourishing

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Golden Herbed Tofu Steaks with Sautéed Greens and Lemon Butter Sauce is a vibrant vegan main dish featuring crispy, herb-seasoned tofu steaks served with tender sautéed greens and a bright lemony vegan butter sauce. It’s a wholesome, nourishing meal full of flavor and texture.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: Modern Vegan
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice into 4 even steaks.
Mix thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then rub onto tofu steaks.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear tofu steaks for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set aside.
In another pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add greens and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
To make the lemon butter sauce, melt vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute.
Plate tofu over sautéed greens and drizzle with lemon butter sauce. Serve immediately.