Easy Tofu Piccata [with Lemon and Capers]

Lemony, savory, and absolutely delicious, Easy Tofu Piccata [with Lemon and Capers] is a great way to introduce nonvegetarians to the world of plant-based foods. Golden brown crispy tofu topped with a citrus butter sauce that is packed full of flavor, this delicious, comforting dish can be made in just 30 minutes!

This is an easy-peasy vegetarian twist on the traditional piccata, using extra firm tofu, lemon juice, and capers to create this classic comfort food. So, whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or trying it out for the first, this dish will surely impress. 

The first words from my very non-vegetarian husband were “Wow. Now this is good”, as he went back for seconds. My only mistake in making this recipe was not making enough! I actually had to Google what the recommended serving of tofu is because I’d eaten an entire block‘s worth of pan-fried tofu cutlets myself! ( If you are curious, apparently a block of tofu is supposed to serve four –  I say poo-poo to that.- EAT UP! )

Why you’ll Love

• Quick: Only 30 minutes to make this dish
• Flavor packed: The way I get my family to eat vegetarian is with flavorful dishes. This is the top rated  tofu recipes in our household
• Equally pleasing for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike

Ingredients

Extra firm tofu: You’ll want to use extra firm tofu and make sure to press it for 20 minutes to remove excess water

Olive Oil: I use olive oil for frying and didn’t have a problem with this, because you are only frying for a few minutes. If making a large batch, I would probably use a neutral  oil with a higher heat point

Flour and seasonings: Makes a delicious crust for the tofu

Shallot and garlic: flavor the sauce

Mushrooms: Adds a little extra umami flavor

Vegetable broth: I use Better than Bouillon Vegetable broth which adds a lot of flavor

Butter: Add a lovely richness to the broth. Use your favorite dairy-free or vegan butter as needed

Lemon juice and capers: Brighten this dish up and add so much flavor

How to Make

*If making rice or pasta and vegetables, start preparing these while your tofu is pressing. Once you’ve started to make the tofu piccata, it only takes about 20 minutes so this is a perfect time to preheat your oven for a roasted vegetable, boil your water for your pasta, or begin making your rice.*

Prepare the tofu! First, start by draining and pressing the tofu for 20 minutes. You can do this with a tofu press, or by wrapping the tofu block in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top. Once drained, slice the tofu block in half widthwise and then into 4 thin rectangular slices, about 1/2 inch thick to make about 8 tofu cutlets

Bread the tofu slices: Combine flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dip each tofu cutlet into the flour mixture, making sure they are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

Fry tofu: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp oil. When the oil starts to sizzle, place the tofu in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on this side, another 2-3 minutes. Remove and place tofu on the paper towel-lined plate. If you are not going to eat immediately, place it in oven safe container and keep warm in the oven.

Make the sauce: Add 1 tbsp oil and the shallot in the same skillet and saute for 3 minutes. Mix in mushrooms and garlic and continue to cook for 3 minutes until the mushroom is softened. Add in Stock and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor! Add in lemon juice, capers, and butter and simmer until melted. 

Serve it up! Transfer your delicious Tofu Piccata to a warm serving platter or individual plates, on top of pasta or rice. When ready to eat, pour the lemon sauce over the tofu and garnish with lemon slices,

Success Tips and Tricks

If frying multiple batches, you may need to let the pan cool down for a few minutes in between batches. If your pan starts to smoke, remove from heat between batches. Turn the heat down to medium heat and continue to cook.

To keep tofu warm before serving, you can place it on a large baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.

Diet Specifics and Substitution

Make it Vegan recipe by substituting it with your favorite vegan butter.

Make it gluten-free by substituting all purpose flour with cornstarch, arrowroot, or, gluten-free flour.

How to Store

Store sauce and tofu separately in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you mix them together, the tofu might get a little mushy. This dish will taste great the next day, although it may not be as crispy.

What to serve Piccata with?

Serve piccata over pasta such as angel hair, linguini, spaghetti, or simply over rice. We like to make roasted broccoli with parmesan cheese as a side to round this dish out!

Other recipes you may enjoy!

Comforting and Classic Pastina

Best Tofu Piccata [with Lemon and Capers]

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Lemony, savory, and absolutely delicious, Easy Tofu Piccata with Lemons and Capers is a great way to introduce nonvegetarians to the world of plant-based foods. Golden brown crispy tofu topped with a citrus butter sauce that is packed full of flavor, this delicious, comforting dish can be made in just 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

• 1 Block of extra firm tofu

• 2 tbsp oil

Breading

• ¼ cup flour

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp Garlic

• ¼ tsp salt

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tbs olive oil

• 1 shallot, minced 

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 1 cup mushrooms (shitake, crimini or baby bella), sliced

• 2 cups vegetable broth 

• 2 tablespoons butter (regular or your favorite plant-based brand)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons capers

Optional toppings: 

• thinly sliced lemon rounds
• chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

*If making rice or pasta and vegetables, start preparing these while your tofu is pressing. Once you’ve started to make the tofu piccata, it only takes about 20 minutes so this is a perfect time to preheat your oven for a roasted vegetable, boil your water for your pasta, or begin making your rice.*

 

Prepare the tofu! First, start by draining and pressing the tofu for 20 minutes. You can do this with a tofu press, or by wrapping the tofu block in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top. Once drained, slice the tofu block in half widthwise and then into 4 thin rectangular slices, about 1/2 inch thick to make about 8 tofu cutlets

 

Bread the tofu slices: Combine flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl. Dip each tofu cutlet into the flour mixture, making sure they are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

 

Fry tofu: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp oil. When the oil starts to sizzle, place the tofu in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on this side, another 2-3 minutes. Remove and place tofu on the paper towel-lined plate. If you are not going to eat immediately, place it in oven safe container and keep warm in the oven.

 

Make the sauce: Add 1 tbsp oil and the shallot in the same skillet and saute for 3 minutes. Mix in mushrooms and garlic and continue to cook for 3 minutes until the mushroom is softened. Add in Stock and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor! Add in lemon juice, capers, and butter and simmer until melted. 

 

Serve it up! Transfer your delicious Tofu Piccata to a warm serving platter or individual plates, on top of pasta or rice. When ready to eat, pour the lemon sauce over the tofu and garnish with lemon slices,

Notes

See the above post for tips on success, how to store, and substitutions 

• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stove-top
• Cuisine: Italian

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