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vegan salmon recipe with tofu
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Vegan Tofu “Salmon” with Sautéed Green Beans & Rice

Flaky, flavorful vegan salmon using tofu
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: salmon, tofu salmon, vegan salmon, vegan salmon recipe
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the tofu salmon marinade:

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu pressed (use a tofu press or two plates with weight)
  • 2 tbsp liquid aminos
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed oil
  • 1 tbsp grapeseed oil plus extra for cooking
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika for color
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp miso paste dissolved in ½ cup warm water
  • 1 small beet sliced (for color, not eaten)
  • 1 sheet nori seaweed, crumbled

For the sides:

  • 1 cup rice cooked
  • 2 cups green beans trimmed
  • ½ onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp oil

For garnish:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Optional sauce: vegan chipotle mayo vegan tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the tofu

  • Press the tofu for at least 20–30 minutes to remove excess water.
  • Slice the tofu into fillets by cutting on a diagonal, then rounding off the edges to mimic salmon fillets.
  • Lightly score the surface of each tofu fillet with a knife (criss-cross or diagonal cuts) to help absorb the marinade.

Step 2 – Make the marinade

  • In a mixing bowl, combine liquid aminos, flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay.
  • Stir in the miso paste dissolved in warm water.
  • Add crumbled nori and the beet slices for color.
  • Place the tofu fillets into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).

Step 3 – Cook the tofu salmon

  • Heat a cast-iron skillet (or nonstick pan) over medium-high heat and coat with grapeseed oil.
  • Place marinated tofu fillets in the skillet and cook 5–10 minutes per side, flipping to caramelize all surfaces. The outside should develop a golden, slightly crisp sear.

Step 4 – Make the sides

  • In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Sauté onions until softened, then add garlic, green beans, coriander, cumin, and brown sugar. Stir until beans are tender-crisp and lightly caramelized.
  • Serve with cooked rice.

Step 5 – Plate & serve

  • Arrange a bed of rice and green beans on each plate.
  • Place tofu salmon fillets on top.
  • Garnish with lemon wedges and drizzle with vegan chipotle mayo or fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Chef’s Tips:
  • Marinate at least 24 hours for the deepest “sea” flavor.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the marinade.
  • If you like smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.