Roasted Hasselback Tofu with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Thank you to Sunrise Soya Foods for sponsoring this recipe for Roasted Hasselback Tofu. Sunrise Extra Firm Tofu is my absolute favourite tofu, I usually have 4 - 5 blocks in my fridge at any given time I love it so much!

For this recipe, I really wanted to think outside of the "tofu cube" and try a new tofu technique. I present to you: Roasted Hasselback Tofu with Creamy Avocado Sauce! Wow, are you going to love this recipe. Preparing tofu in this way gives it such a fantastic meaty texture and allows for the marinade to soak deep into the tofu. Yum!

Hasselback Tofu has bacon-y dry-rubbed kinda vibes. With a chewy skin and tender inside, it's so meaty and savoury and (trust me) like no other tofu you've ever had. The savoury, saltiness of the roasted tofu marries so perfectly with the fresh creamy avocado sauce.  This recipe (technically) serves 4, but it's so amazingly delicious, no one will judge if you just devour it on your own!

Sunrise Soya Foods is the #1 leading manufacturer of tofu in Canada and is my personal go-to! Sunrise Extra Firm Tofu has the ideal texture for new and regular tofu users alike. It's perfect for some of my favourite tofu dishes such as my Easy Sticky Teriyaki Tofu, my Baked Tofu Bites, or my Vegan Tofu Taco Crumbles. But if you are looking for a fancier dish, you must try this Hasselback tofu! After I finished this recipe, I asked myself: "Is there anything tofu can't do?" I mean, it's literally the PERFECT flavour vehicle!

Just look at that deliciousness!! Sunrise Extra Firm Tofu is first pressed and then marinated in a simple sauce. You can let it marinate for just 30 minutes, but I prefer to marinate it overnight, or even for a few days in the fridge to make sure those flavours really get in there. Then when ready to cook, roast the Hasselback tofu in the oven for an hour. Slow roasting it like this makes for the best chewy on the outside, tender on the inside texture. This would be great served as the main for a festive occasion, but it's easy enough to prepare that you could enjoy it any night of the week!

How to make Roasted Hasselback Tofu with Creamy Avocado Sauce:

For the Hasselback tofu:
Prepare the tofu by draining it, and then pressing it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. For pressing instructions, check out this post. Pressing the tofu squeezes excess water out so that the tofu can suck up more of the marinade and become chewier.

Once pressed, remove the tofu and pat dry. Place a wooden spoon handle on either side of the tofu to stop from cutting all the way through so the slices remain intact. Slice the tofu partway through repeatedly about ¼" apart for the Hasselback technique.

In a sealable container or bag, mix the soy sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper. Place the tofu in the dish or bag with the marinade. Let marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes or as long as overnight.

When ready to roast the tofu, preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a small baking dish with parchment paper. Remove the tofu from the marinade and place it in the prepared baking dish. Brush on any leftover marinade. Bake for about 60 minutes until the tofu is a dark golden brown.

Enjoy hot, as is, or with the creamy avocado sauce, or with any sauce you desire.

To make the creamy avocado sauce:

Add the avocado, cilantro, water, agave, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy. If you do not have a blender or food processor, simply chop the cilantro or parsley first, then add everything to a bowl and smash together with a fork. Serve with the Hasselback tofu.

The creamy avocado sauce is delectable but feel free to switch it out for aother favourite sauce. Hasselback tofu would also go well with my chimichurri or tzatziki sauce. Serve with a side of veg such as my Garlic Sautéd Green Beans and some Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or crispy French fries. What an epic meal!

Bon appetegan!

Sam Turnbull.