Ingredients:
For the Rooibos Tea Marinade:
- 1 cup strong Rooibos tea (using 2 rooibos tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tofu Skewers:
- 1 block (about 14 ounces or 400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Brew Rooibos Tea:
- Brew a cup of strong Rooibos tea by steeping 2 rooibos tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose tea in hot water for about 5-7 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Tofu:
- Press the extra-firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes of approximately 1 inch.
- Make Rooibos Tea Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the brewed Rooibos tea, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, soy sauce or tamari, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
- Marinate Tofu:
- Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the Rooibos tea marinade over the tofu, ensuring each cube is well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.
- Skewer Tofu:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, thread the marinated tofu cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill Tofu Skewers:
- Grill the tofu skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and has grill marks.
- Baste with Marinade:
- While grilling, you can baste the tofu skewers with the remaining marinade for extra flavor. Be sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw tofu.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the tofu skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges:
- Serve the Rooibos Tea-Marinated Tofu Skewers with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Enjoy these smoky and earthy tofu skewers as a flavorful and protein-packed dish. The Rooibos tea infusion adds a unique depth of flavor to the tofu, making it a delightful option for vegetarians and vegans. Adjust the seasonings and grilling time to your preference.
