Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/10 checked
2
servings
2 lbs

extra firm tofu

pressed

0.5 cup

vegetable oil

0.25 cup

mixed peppercorns

ground

4 tbsp

unsalted butter

3 unit

shallots

minced

0.5 cup

cognac

2 cup

beef stock

0.5 cup

heavy cream

0.5 tbsp

mixed peppercorns

crushed

1 pinch

salt

Step 1
~3 min

Slice tofu lengthwise into thirds to create 'steaks'.

Step 2
~3 min

Layer tofu slices between paper towels in a colander. Place a heavy weight on top to drain excess water for 30 minutes.

Step 3
~3 min

Grind 1/4 cup of mixed peppercorns.

Step 4
~3 min

Coat both sides of each tofu steak with approximately 1 teaspoon of ground pepper. Reserve any leftover pepper.

Step 5
~3 min

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6
~3 min

Fry tofu steaks until browned and crispy on both sides (approximately 10 minutes).

Step 7
~3 min

Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.

Step 8
~3 min

Add butter to the skillet.

Step 9
~3 min

Once melted, add minced shallots and cook until softened (a few minutes).

Step 10
~3 min

Add cognac or brandy and cook on high heat for a few minutes, until reduced to a few tablespoons.

Step 11
~3 min

Add beef or vegetable stock and reduce by half.

Step 12
~3 min

Add heavy cream and heat just to boiling.

Step 13
~3 min

Crush 1/2 tablespoon of mixed peppercorns in a mortar and pestle.

Step 14
~3 min

Add crushed peppercorns to the sauce.

Step 15
~3 min

Taste and season with salt as desired.

Step 16
~3 min

Serve tofu steaks topped with the creamy pepper sauce.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce or tamari before pressing.

Adjust the amount of peppercorns to your liking for a milder or spicier dish.

Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes.

Serve with a side salad.

Serve with roasted vegetables.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Mashed potatoes
Roasted asparagus
Green salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

France (Inspired)

Cultural Significance

A vegan adaptation of a classic French dish.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Date Night

Popularity Score

65/100

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