Golden Tofu Parmigiana Topped with Melted Cheese and Tomato Sauce

Wrap the tofu block in a clean towel and press under a heavy object for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Slice and Season:
Slice the tofu into even pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Set Up Breading Station:
Place flour in one bowl, plant-based milk in another, and mix breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika in a third bowl.
Bread the Tofu:
Dip each tofu slice into the flour, then the milk, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Cook the Tofu
Pan-Fry Method:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook tofu slices for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Baking Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place breaded tofu on a lined baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble the Parmigiana
Layer the Tofu:
Place cooked tofu slices in a baking dish.
Add Tomato Sauce:
Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce over each piece of tofu.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the tofu slices.
5. Bake and Serve
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with spaghetti, penne, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Serve alongside garlic bread for a hearty dinner.
Tips for Success
Extra Crispy Tofu: Double-coat the tofu by repeating the breading process for added crunch.
Flavor Boost: Marinate the tofu slices in soy sauce or vegetable broth for 30 minutes before breading.
Cheese Alternatives: Use cashew cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you prefer not to use cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful Golden Tofu Parmigiana, a dish that combines classic comfort with plant-based goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike! 🍅✨