EASY tofu recipe that changed my life

Whether your new to tofu or a lover from way back. This easy whole crusted tofu will change your life adding texture and layers of flavor. Great for any day roast dinner, family meals or meal prep. Including 10+ Chef hacks on how to make a vegan roast dinner, fast and delicious and for the whole family, party or just me! Super filling comfort food made plant based. Healthy is great but if it doesn't lead with flavor and taste good, no one is going to eat it. Appreciate you.
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dereksarno.com/
RECIPE:
GARLIC HERBED MASHERS:
2 kg masher potatoes, washed with skin on, cubed
5-6 cloves of garlic, smashed and minced
4-5 tablespoons of vegan butter (1 stick)
2 tablespoons of Greek-style vegan yogurt (optional)
4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (optional)
½ teaspoon of black peppercorns, pulverized
½ teaspoon of white peppercorns, pulverized
Flake salt to taste
Directions:
Boil the cubed potatoes until tender.
Drain and return to the pot.
Add the minced garlic, butter, yogurt (if using), nutritional yeast (if using), pulverized black and white peppercorns.
Mash until smooth and creamy.
Season with flake salt to taste.
ROASTED VEGETABLES:
A handful of large carrots, blanched and cut into large pieces
2 zucchinis (courgettes), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large onions, cut in half then into quarters
½ head of broccoli, trimmed into florets
Olive oil
1 teaspoon of granulated garlic
¾ teaspoon of smoked paprika
Flake salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F (fan/convection setting).
Arrange the vegetables on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with granulated garlic, smoked paprika, flake salt, and black pepper.
Roast for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
If preferred, par-cook for 20 minutes and finish in the oven when ready to eat.
CRUSTED TOFU:
3 blocks of super firm tofu, drained and hand-pressed
3 tablespoons of sage & onion seasoning
3 cups of Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
2 tablespoons of vegan mayo
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
A splash of sherry (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F (fan/convection setting).
Coat tofu evenly with olive oil and sage & onion seasoning on all sides.
Place on a lined baking tray and pre-roast for 20-30 minutes until golden.
Remove from oven and let cool.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, mayo, Dijon, sherry, salt, and pepper. Let sit for a few minutes.
Crust each block of tofu with the breadcrumb mixture.
Roast for another 20-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
GRAVY:
1 litre of vegetable broth (25g bouillon dissolved in boiling water)
2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water to make a slurry
Black pepper to taste
A cap full of browning gravy sauce (e.g., Kitchen Bouquet)
Combine the vegetable broth, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a saucepan.
Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Season with black pepper.
Add a cap full of browning gravy sauce for color and flavor.
Serve hot over the crusted tofu and roasted vegetables.

[@a_shot_in_the_dark]

I never ate tofu until you came along and showed us it’s versatility! Now I love it…❤Thank you.🙏🏻

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It’s such a good canvas to take any which way. Thanks for watching Sarah

[@kiana4534]

Made the entire recipe for dinner tonight, it was delicious. After 9 months of grieving the loss of my husband, I decided to start eating a plant-based diet again. Glad I came across your posting. Every bite was delicious. I’m looking forward to the next couple of evenings for left-over dinner. Yumm

[@sinikkastudio]

sending you a warm hug.

[@anunsashtray8244]

proud of you!

[@FaeRae-333]

❤❤❤

[@Gnossos-If]

best of luck

[@EvelynBaron]

My husband also passed away he didn't care that I was more or less vegan we loved to cook together. It is strange to cook for one (well one small dog who likes sweet potatoes...) Sending you a huge hug.

[@kellysweeney3842]

I count going vegan one of the best decisions I've ever made. 8 years in, still learning and loving finding new recipes. TY!

[@EvelynBaron]

My family always .... just cooked I didn't grow up with fast food my mum a superb gardener. Now older, we're all a bit financially challenged it's still an adventure. I may use a bit of fish or a happy egg from a happy chicken but don't miss meat. I do rely on Instant Pot make a lot of bean stews/chilis etc etc. This recipe was fun because tofu always a challenge for me.

[@kalo924]

Me too. Five years. Feeling great.

[@nondescript4311]

I'm raised vegetarian. If I had been born in some other country any other family I know I'd have become vegan anyways. It's like a calling for me

[@AMCvanTuijl735]

I love tofu and prepare it very often. I saw a Chinese cook on KZbin explain why Chinese freeze their tofu before using. Freezing tofu causes the water inside to expand, forming ice crystals that create tiny holes in the tofu. Once thawed, these holes are left behind. This gives the tofu a texture that soaks up marinades and sauces even better than its fresh counterpart. I do it all the time know!

[@kalo924]

I like to boil tofu cubes for two minutes in salted water. It firms it up and improves the flavor. Then I stir it in to some delicious curry or stew.

[@VeronicaMist]

I love using frozen tofu as well! Another thing I found was adding my tofu cubes directly in the rice-cooker with the rice. The flavour and texture of the tofu is really nice, especially the cubes that were on the bottom of the cooker. 👍🏻

[@redcurlvegan]

I've been following you since I first went vegan over 3 years ago and think you're by far one of the best out there & I've watched pretty much every video of yours, but for some reason I particularly enjoyed this one - humble, authentic, gorgeous kitchen (as always), subtle humour, ASMR, your emphasis on reducing waste, down to earth realistic home cooking with the added bonus of professional knowledge, plus a Frankie-feature is always a delight... You're great Derek, don't ever stop what you're doing (as long as it makes you happy of course) 🌱💚

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you for watching and supporting.

[@EvelynBaron]

Absolutely! I got into the habit of freezing appropriate veg for stock it;s actually a no brainer and yes no waste. I volunteered in a soup kitchen for a while and the stuff people were throwing out .... the wonderful thing is that 75 percent of the people chose the vegan alternative so we must have been doing something right lol.

[@tamcon72]

80% healthy, 20% wicked is a pretty good design for life ; ) Food looks great. Thanks for posting : )

[@sjaelfre]

Dog is so cute

[@kareng3847]

❤ Frankie❤

[@susankara7520]

I cool my vegetable cooking water and pour over herbs in garden as liquid fertilizer. 😊

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Love that!

[@susankara7520]

@DerekSarnoChef ps if the veg cooking water doesn't have broccoli or another strong flavored veg, I sometimes save it for cooking rice or as a base for soup stock. Flavor is flavor and vitamins and minerals are always welcome. I even use it for flavoring my dogs food; He deserves a different taste treat every now and then. Appreciate every video you share with us 😍

[@susankara7520]

Thank you for appreciating my comment 🍓

[@Gaming_Vegan_Ape]

When will smellavison be a thing?! Lol

[@Ostekat]

I want tastavision ._.

[@Gaming_Vegan_Ape]

@@Ostekat Believe it or not, you can taste via smell. That's why sometimes it feels like you taste someone's fart near you. Lol "Approximately 80-90% of what we perceive as "taste" is in fact, due to our sense of smell (think about how dull food tastes when you have a head cold or a stuffy nose). At the beginning of this experiment, you may not be able to tell the specific flavor of the candy beyond a general sensation of sweetness or sourness." Science!

[@1auntievenom]

Or share-a-vision. Please 🙏

[@LRH1]

​@Ostekat - 😂🎉... on point. Yet the viewers would eat the content providers & nothing would be left, but instructions .lol

[@mandy-mary]

I heard @tomgreen is working on it.

[@behemoth5344]

I'm not a fan of tofu presses myself. On an unrelated note, I'm making lion's mane (or monkey's head, as we call it down here) mushroom steak basically once a week, and it's all your fault. Keep up the good work, and greetings from Southeast Asia 🤟

[@charlottemarand]

I love the idea of the stuffing-like crust on the tofu. Thank you for sharing.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It's so good! And can be adapted. Thanks for watching

[@EvelynBaron]

Me too.

[@patrickmueller2605]

Oh man... everything you make for us looks beautiful and tasty! Hope Frankie keeps you sane.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Frankie’s an angel. Thanks for watching

[@anonamouse9198]

Never stop flexing the tongs, nothing will ever go wrong 👌🏻👨🏻‍🍳

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It won’t stop 😉

[@markburch1776]

Click to activate before use

[@hiorpnana0479]

i personally freeze a bunch of firm tofu before hand as prep, i love the texture so much

[@lisagiuliani8167]

Do you press it before freezing??

[@hiorpnana0479]

@@lisagiuliani8167 nope, with freezing that step is unnecessary :)

[@lisagiuliani8167]

@@hiorpnana0479 ohbeven better! 😅 Thank you!!

[@-LivingProof]

Chef Sarno, due to health issues, I've been considering switching to a plant based diet & I want to say "thank you" for sharing your expertise with people.

[@nikos-giorgos]

Just don't do what he does, this dish wasn't healthy really. Just tasty.

[@theflixcapacitor1372]

😂 It's a nutritious and healthy meal. Full of vitamins, minerals, protein

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@theflixcapacitor1372 Yeah, right.

[@theflixcapacitor1372]

@@nikos-giorgos it's more nutritious and healthy than the average American eats.

[@traceybaucom5755]

Switch! The best thing you will ever do. Your whole body will rejoice!

[@emanuelegoffi7624]

We are a vegan family and we want you in our kitchens!!😂

[@kareng3847]

LOOKS AMAZING! ❤️ I WANT TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE FOR DINNER😊

[@trisha4755]

That is one beautiful meal! But it’s not even close to how beautiful that Frankie girl is!! ❤️

[@DerekSarnoChef]

You got that right. 🫶

[@SpicyMoustache]

Absolutely loved this one and 100% agreed that there’s no need to get a tofu press! 🙏🏻

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks man 🙏🫶

[@vegetarianveganhealth7748]

Me too. I just squeeze it, and if I want to completely squeeze out the water, I use a towel. And I also learned the whole freeze and thaw. It's easier to get the water out only thing I don't like is the change of texture but it's okay.

[@alexplummer]

When making TFC fake chicken using a slow press makes a big difference for me. A towel doesn't get everything out and the extra water totally changes the flavour/texture plus leaks into the boiling oil.

[@matt96533]

Putting in the freezer for a night and defrosting changes the structure and you can squeeze so much water out with your hands and don't need a press or towels I put a load of tofu in the freezer for a night then put them in the fridge for whenever I need them

[@carolynblakeney966]

I am here to represent for tofu presses! 🥰

[@zsstuff5089]

I LOVE that you cook the tofu in the oven, freeing you up to work on the side dishes. Addition of the crust brings the crisp texture without the labor and mess of frying. THANK YOU!

[@renepere8916]

i always eat tofu, LOVE it. But I have never roasted the whole blocks like this. Definitely gonna try this. Looks delicious and so dang easy! And I do sheet pan veggies and mashed potatoes all the time. This just might become a regular goto meal. Thanks!

[@anastasiailieva7800]

I know he's a pro so his skills in the kitchen are no surprise ...The amazing thing is how wicked amusing his videos have become... just love it.

[@charliechamberlayne7042]

Looks banging

[@__kiki]

This looks great! Plus I have all the ingredients on hand. Thank you, I love your content. 👍😻

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Amazing!!

[@bronwenjonas6130]

I recently started my plant based journey and i am so happy to have come across your channel. You're a true inspiration and i just cannot thank u enough for the amazing high quality content you produce. Thank you Derek!!!

[@robinp4219]

Thanks for the new video Derek ! Perfect for these cold January days.

[@jessicam2792]

Looks yum. I go through times I don't want to cook just for myself. I have my young son, but there's a lot of things he won't eat. Thanks for inspiring me with new things to cook .

[@chuchuchuchia]

You are one of the very few people I've seen use the knife tip technique for cutting broccoli to prevent floret mess and waste. THANK YOU.

[@cusebaby10]

Even the cute furbaby was licking his lips, lol! Looks delicious! 😘🥰❤️😍

[@FirstnameLastname-xi5hh]

you did it again man. mind blown. thanks a million.

[@Trojan4u]

Love your recipes and videos...vegan chef not afraid of flavour! I cannot live all raw, no oil or spices.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks and thanks for watching. If it don’t taste good I’m not eating it

[@Hope-zz9eq]

Nice to see a hearty dinner made for a man. If FR Kristina's boyfriend had food like this, maybe he wouldn't have gone back to meat. The fake meat gets old after a while because it's so processed. Tofu is just bean curd and it never gets old, plus bean curd can be made from different beans like fava bean.

[@linzertube]

This meal looks incredible, Derek!! Definitely going to try this roasted tofu recipe (and all the rest, YUM!). Frankie warms my heart with her love of tofu…I love it too, Frankie.

[@pageharris5693]

Now I’m hungry!!! This video is a keeper.

[@mkmoody2870]

That looks amazing! I'm thinking that topping would be great layered into the tofu.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It'd be good for a crumbed pie topping for sure

[@Leopard_Lover]

Finally a good cooking channel! Thanks chef ❤ love your doggie as well. I’m learning good habits ie: wiping board down !

[@thapelomichael-8188]

❤the way u cook....

[@rebelvgan4579]

Oh my - every element is perfectly done. Wish you had a restaurant! 😋🤤 Frankie's loving it too 💚

[@shaylanettey5958]

Looks amazing Chef! Thank you for sharing this easy technique. I can not wait to try

[@SpookyVonSweets1]

Looks Fantastic!

[@Fit4life_71]

Tried tofu once didn't know u had to squeeze it, it was.. underwhelming Thank you Derek your dinners are fuckin marvelous as usual ..mr easy aye..

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks for watching! I’m easy in the kitchen as long as no one is in the way 😂🤌

[@Fit4life_71]

​@@DerekSarnoChef If you have an alternative to Christmas goose I wanna piece of it..

[@robgesslein8347]

One of the biggest problems that I have ran into is.....what do I make for holidays? We all remember those big holiday meals that give us comfort. Thank you for this one. It's perfect.

[@SindySchneck]

Derek's right, this will change your life! I made this for an elevated Sunday dinner and it was fantastic! The gravy is to die for and will be a staple in my freezer. That panko crust with the fresh herbs was mmm, mmm, good! I can see using it on other dishes like as a crunchy topping for Mac n Chz. It wasn't hard, but a little time/effort - but totally worth it for a true chef inspired meal! Thanks!!

[@juenvanhand8109]

“Just me,” you are just awesome. Made this tonight. Yummmmm. Every element was so comforting. And I grew every vegetable component in the recipe so it felt that I had celebrated my vegetables in the best way possible. I made half your quantity and I still have mega leftovers. Something to look forward to tomorrow. Love your recipes. Thanks so much.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Wonderful! So happy to hear, thank you for watching and supporting.

[@thunderingox6963]

Far king awesome!! That looks sooo good! Massive thank you & to Frankie! 🙏🏽💚🌱 & loved the Elf reference!

[@name.terrie]

OMG... looks soooooo yummmmm. Thanks for the recipes, ideas, and tips! You're the best!

[@-raymond-2337]

Welcome back man, we’ve been missing you last few weeks! One of our dogs been missing Frankie real bad too! 🥵she gets super worked up every time she’s on camera.

[@artbygilik]

I can agree, I owned a vegan restaurant and worked as a WF plant-based chef at other places and never used a tofu press 🙂 damn now I’m hungry watching this. Making peanut butter curry tofu for dinner tonight 😋

[@guilene6]

🤩 WoW! Look like Christmas!

[@Jacelyn-tn6mq]

@Derek Sarno I'm going to make this tonight as I have all the ingredients, except sherry. Can organic red wine be substituted or should I just ignore that step? I hope you realize how much we all appreciate you and we're so grateful for all you teach us. And, most important, hugs to Frankie.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you. Of course most wines would work, brandy, etc even orange juice - i try to keep in mind color and flavors that meld together. Also works without alcohol for sure.

[@kerryjordan2525]

I’ve got to stop watching your videos at 11pm. I’m drooling.

[@CaptainHaru]

This channel has been such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for another video, everyone subscribe if you haven’t!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you for watching and the kind words

[@lostmorty]

How come that I have just discovered your YT channel? Finally someone who elevates vegan food. Can't wait to watch your other videos!

[@jenbrown1078]

Looks wonderful and definitely something I can do 👍 (yep nothing wrong with being easy) Always great to see you and Frankie 🖤

[@BT-kt7gb]

I got a really bad case of the flu. I am back! I'm ready to learn some more. Cool Derek is his name!!

[@Nettkin]

You are the master of showing us how to make plants into a serious feast. Thank you!

[@Funfettiwitch]

that looks so good!!

[@maetaylor5677]

love watching you cook

[@user-ug2yz6vb7p]

The dog said forget Martha and keep it coming..😊 yum

[@wendyhinckly7044]

I have been eating vegan for almost 3 weeks as part of my church fasting. I am doing the Daniel Fast and I have to say, I feel GREAT! I love to cook, but this looks like a lot of work for one person. I may try this recipe, it looks fantastic!

[@sandramclaughlin3943]

Love this video.

[@i.greene]

Loved this video! Thank you. ❤

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

OMG! That looks so good! ❤

[@marydoka1221]

“I like to clean as I go” …what a guy!❤

[@JS-ep7qv]

That looks AMAZING 🤤

[@kellynkarr]

This one kicks so much ass!!!’ Thanks Derek!

[@maggiezemanek9656]

Yum!! Love seeing Frankie❤

[@laurafrisk735]

Yummm! Can't wait to try this one. Thanks for sharing!

[@2009Deepthi]

Yummy ! Can’t wait to make it.

[@nothankyounextbye]

Looks awesome, thank you!

[@HeatherMichet]

"Little bits of lumber..." HAHAHAH! Thanks for sharing your creative cooking with us. YUM.

[@annamcnally582]

Looks amazing - simple

[@manua779]

Crazy good! 😁

[@aaronsimon5527]

Wow, incredible stuff

[@nancygrovum2248]

Whoa…looks fab! 😋

[@robinheater1817]

Looks amazing

[@levonowens4084]

Thank you‼️

[@Pamelabono]

So hooked on this one❣️

[@kalo924]

Good dawg! Love both your recipes and technique

[@rainacarrero2567]

Looks INCREDIBLE

[@gracechurchman7949]

Oh my, that looks so delicious! Yummmm!🤤

[@Lexington2009]

rustic and comforting! another delicious recipe 💜🐶💜

[@cathyphegley7848]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@timetoeat420]

Another killa meal,thank you dude and big love for Frankie!

[@mdc2312]

Outstanding!!! I can't wait to make this!!!!

[@MrWicked61671]

Bravo Derek! Another masterpiece dish.

[@philiptaylor7902]

Looks absolutely delicious. Nice one Derek.

[@MrAlineye]

Another reason for you to be my favorite chef ! ♥

[@Albatrossgirl]

Oh so delicious. Simply cannot wait to make and gobble this one! Thank you Derek ❤

[@mtm00]

👍💚 Nice, Derek. Thank you. Your full-plate meals are so inspiring.

[@christophmeissner7669]

Thanks! What a great meal, simple and delicious and fun.!

[@gerrymarcus9291]

Loved this video!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@snapcase07]

Made this last night and WOW the flavors!

[@karleedu]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching you cook! I have been trying different ways of using tofu, thanks to watching you!

[@tonya0601]

Love this and also you're so comforting to watch. I now have to add to my grocery list to make this asap.

[@rubengrothwinkel8503]

Love your videos. They always make me wanna go cooking.

[@myjewelry4u]

This is definitely dinner tomorrow! I love when I have everything needed to make stuff!

[@folkfestgroupie]

Just found your channel. Love it

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

Looks delicious!