At the end of a long day, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy quesadilla. But for those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor, grilled tofu quesadillas are the perfect choice. This recipe takes the classic quesadilla up a notch by using marinated tofu as the star ingredient, adding a delicious and nutritious twist to this beloved dish.
Grilled Tofu Quesadillas
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and sliced into thin rectangles
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 6 medium flour tortillas
– Cooking spray
– Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder to create the marinade. Place the sliced tofu in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, grill the marinated tofu slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop grill marks and are heated through. Remove from the grill and set aside.
3. In the same grill or grill pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the quesadillas by sprinkling a layer of shredded cheese on one half of each flour tortilla. Then, divide the grilled tofu slices evenly among the tortillas, placing them on top of the cheese. Add a generous portion of the grilled bell peppers and onions on top of the tofu.
5. Sprinkle another layer of cheese on top of the vegetables before folding the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal the filling inside.
6. Lightly spray the grill or grill pan with cooking spray and carefully place the assembled quesadillas on the hot surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Once cooked, transfer the grilled tofu quesadillas to a cutting board and allow them to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro.
Enjoy these grilled tofu quesadillas as a satisfying and wholesome meal, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends and family. The combination of smoky grilled tofu, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese wrapped in a crisp tortilla will surely become a new favorite in your recipe collection.