Miso Broiled Tofu

By Ali Slagle

Updated April 8, 2024

Miso Broiled Tofu
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Hadas Smirnoff.
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(1,244)
Comments
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For tofu with crisp edges and custardy middles, give it just 15 minutes under the broiler. The technique is inspired by Nobu Matsuhisa’s miso-broiled black cod, which combines miso and sugar to create a charred crust that also insulates the protein, preventing it from toughening. Tearing the tofu into jagged pieces — as opposed to sliced cubes or rectangles — creates more nooks and crannies for the broiler to singe, creating yet more texture. Eat any way you would enjoy baked tofu, perhaps with steamed rice and a green vegetable (broil green beans or asparagus for 5 to 8 minutes), or over salad greens (in which case you’ll want to make a double batch of the miso marinade to dress your lettuces).

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 2(14-ounce) blocks extrafirm tofu, sliced lengthwise 1-inch-thick
  • 2tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2tablespoons white miso paste
  • 2tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ to ½teaspoon ground cayenne
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

226 calories; 12 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 13 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 20 grams protein; 782 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange tofu slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Cover with another kitchen towel (or paper towels), and place a flat cutting board or sheet pan on top. Stack a few cans or a skillet on top to weigh it down. Let tofu drain for 15 to 45 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the sugar, miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oil and cayenne until smooth. Tear the tofu into bite-size pieces (about 1 inch), and add to the miso mixture. Stir gently to coat. You can cook the tofu right away, or cover and refrigerate to marinate for up to 24 hours.

  3. Step 3

    When you’re ready to cook, arrange a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and heat broiler to high. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Remove the tofu from the marinade and arrange on the sheet pan. Reserve marinade.

  4. Step 4

    Broil, flipping occasionally through with a spatula, until browned and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes total. (Broilers have hot spots, so check the tofu periodically and rotate the pan and tofu as needed so everything crisps.) Drizzle with the reserved marinade.

Ratings

5 out of 5
1,244 user ratings
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Comments

ShenAnno

Trying to avoid the too-deep char one cook mentioned, broiled the tofu 10 inches from the broiler for about 20 minutes, turning the pieces three times. Tofu had dark edges and wonderful taste. Served with chili crisp on the side.

Peter Stock

I do have to applaud the recipe construction where every ingredient in the miso sauce calls for 2T doses. THIS I can remember without having to refer to the recipe again.

sophie l

This marinade was an absolute slam dunk—a dreamy balance of salt, acid, sweet, and umami. And my dinner companions and I loved the contrast of crispy edges & soft insides on the torn tofu. My only complaint: after 15 minutes under the broiler, the flavors dulled dramatically; undertones were less “pleasing pop” than “heavy char.” That said, I’m already salivating over all the tantalizing applications I can imagine for this marinade. And I’ll try the tofu in the air fryer next time.

Sam

Marinade is killer but it just didn’t penetrate the tofu. I’m going to try again with it sitting in the marinade for 24 hours. I served on top of wilted radish tops which worked really well.

Jensen

Super tasty recipe!! Wouldn’t say 4 portions of you’re an athlete, but was able to get three by serving with rice and and some stir fry veggies!

Yana

This is an absolutely delicious recipe. I doubled the sauce to have some left over.

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