The holidays are a time for hearty, flavorful dishes, and this Crispy Sage Tofu recipe delivers! This vegan-friendly recipe is packed with flavor and has a delightfully crisp breading that pairs beautifully with traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
You can view a full collection of my plant based holiday recipes here!
Why Crispy Sage Tofu is Perfect for the Holidays
If you’re looking for a plant-based main course that’s festive and delicious, crispy sage tofu is an excellent choice. The combination of fresh herbs and seasoned breading brings warmth and depth to the dish, making it an ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Holiday Sage Tofu
- Extra-Firm Tofu: This variety is best for crispy recipes as it holds its shape and absorbs flavors well.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps the breading adhere.
Breading
- Nutritional Yeast: A key ingredient for adding a cheesy, savory flavor.
- Oat Flour: Adds a light, crispy coating; feel free to use other flours like all-purpose or almond flour.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Essential for flavor depth.
- Poultry Seasoning: A mix of herbs traditionally used with poultry, perfect for mimicking holiday flavors.
- Fresh Sage: The star of this dish! Use fresh if possible for the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy note, complementing the sage well.
Benefits of Using Extra-Firm Tofu
Extra-firm tofu is dense and easy to slice, holding its shape during baking. This texture is ideal for creating a satisfying, meaty bite in vegan recipes, especially when breaded and baked.
Why Sage and Thyme Are Ideal Holiday Flavors
Sage and thyme are classic herbs that evoke the warmth and coziness of holiday meals. They add a wonderful depth and aroma, making the tofu rich and satisfying.
Helpful Tools for Making Crispy Sage Tofu
- Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing tofu evenly.
- Two Shallow Bowls: Use one for olive oil and one for breading ingredients.
- Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: For even baking and easy cleanup.
- Tongs: Helpful for flipping tofu halfway through baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make This Crispy Sage Tofu Recipe
Prep
- Slice the Tofu: Cut the tofu block into 9 equal pieces.
- Prepare Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, mix all dry breading ingredients. In another bowl, add the olive oil.
- Bread the Tofu: Dip each tofu slice in olive oil, coating it lightly. Then press it into the dry mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Repeat for all pieces, adding more oil if needed.
Baking
- Bake the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flip Halfway: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through for even crisping.
- Serve: Once crispy and golden, serve the tofu with your favorite vegan gravy.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
- Press the Tofu: Removing excess water ensures it crisps up better.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: The oil helps the breading adhere and contributes to the crispy texture.
- Flip Carefully: Use tongs to avoid disturbing the breading.
How to Serve Crispy Sage Tofu
This crispy tofu pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and of course, vegan gravy. It’s a complete, hearty meal that everyone can enjoy.
Making it Your Own – Customization Ideas
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading for a touch of heat.
- Switch the Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary for a different holiday flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour in place of oat flour.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This sage tofu is delicious served alongside classic holiday sides like roasted vegetables, vegan stuffing, and a crisp green salad. It’s also perfect with a sparkling cranberry punch or mulled cider.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Sage Tofu Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
FAQs
No, soft tofu will not hold up well in this recipe. Extra-firm tofu is best for achieving a crispy, satisfying texture.
You could use vegan parmesan or simply skip it, though nutritional yeast provides the best cheesy flavor.
Yes! Just use a gluten-free flour like almond or rice flour in place of oat flour.
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Crispy Sage Tofu – Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
Holiday Sage Tofu
- 1 block extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Breading
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ⅛ cup oat flour or other flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- 2-3 leaves finely chopped sage or ½ tsp dry
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ tsp dry
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep
- Cut the tofu into 9 equal pieces. See photos.
- In 1 shallow bowl, mix together all the dry breading ingredients. In a separate bowl, add the olive oil.
- First, dip a tofu slice in olive oil to lightly coat it.
- Next, coat in the dry mixture to bread it, coating all sides. Repeat this task with all 9 tofu pieces.
- Add a little more olive oil to the bowl if you run out.
Baking
- Bake in the oven at 400 for 25-30 mins flipping halfway.
- Serve with your favorite vegan gravy, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Crispy Sage Tofu
Crispy sage tofu is a flavorful and festive addition to any holiday meal, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special. With its seasoned breading and rich holiday herbs, this tofu dish pairs beautifully with all your favorite holiday sides. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite!
Yum these crispy tofu steaks were amazing. The texture and flavor was perfect. And I did end up making your mushroom vegan gravy and all I can say is WOW!!
YAYYY!! yesss they are so good with the mushroom gravy if you like mushrooms. Match made in heaven haha I’m so happy you loved it! thank you 🙂
Great recipe! Big fan of your tofu recipes this is probably the 10th I have made and loving them all 😍😍😍
So happy you loved it! And thank you so much for trying all the recipes! so grateful you love them all 🙂
My tofu came out super crispy and the texture was great! I will be making these again.
So happy you loved it! thank you so much 🙂
Loved this tofu recipe so good! The texture was great. Used bbq sauce on them.
Thank you so much! I’m SO glad you liked the recipe! 🙂