Savory Roast Two Ways: Jackfruit & Tofu

Holiday Recipes

This recipe for Savory Roast Two Ways: Jackfruit + Tofu provides the perfect hearty, plant-based centerpiece for your holiday table, offering two distinct textures and flavor profiles in one elegant dish. The jackfruit is roasted with smoked paprika and thyme until golden and tender, while the tofu is simmered in a rich broth before baking, giving it a deep, savory color and flavor. This easy-to-follow method ensures a comforting, satisfying, and delicious main course for every guest.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Roasted Jackfruit

• 2 - 20 oz. cans green jackfruit in brine, drained, thoroughly rinsed, and roughly chopped

• 2-3 Tbsp neutral oil or melted vegan butter

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp vegetable bouillon concentrate or 1 Tbsp soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos

• Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted Tofu

• 2 - 14 oz blocks firm tofu, drained and firmly patted dry

• 3 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp vegetable bouillon concentrate or 1 Tbsp soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp poultry seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp allspice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Flavoring the Tofu (Simmer)

1. Prepare Broth: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the water or vegetable broth along with all the tofu seasonings (bouillon/soy sauce, thyme, poultry seasoning, paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper) and mix until well combined. Cook for about 5 minutes to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

2. Simmer Tofu: Gently add both blocks of firm tofu to the simmering broth. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the tofu simmer for about 10 minutes.

3. Flip: Gently flip over the tofu blocks in the pan and simmer on the second side for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavorful broth to fully penetrate the tofu.

4. Reserve Broth: Use a spatula to carefully remove the tofu from the saucepan and set it aside. Set the flavoring broth aside to make a batch of creamy mushroom gravy.

Roasting the Jackfruit and Tofu (Bake)

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly coat the surface with an even layer of cooking oil.

6. Season Jackfruit: In a mixing bowl, add the chopped jackfruit along with the oil or melted vegan butter, the jackfruit seasonings (thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, bouillon/liquid aminos). Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Mix thoroughly until the jackfruit is evenly coated.

7. Spread and Bake: Spread the seasoned jackfruit in an even layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet. Place the simmered tofu blocks on the other half of the pan.

8. Roast: Bake for 20-25 minutes. The jackfruit is done when the edges are golden brown and most of the moisture has dried out. The tofu should develop a deep brown color and an almost crisp appearance on the exterior.

9. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the roasts to sit for about 10 minutes so they are cool enough to handle safely. Thinly slice the tofu blocks and serve alongside the roasted jackfruit.