Black Pepper Tofu & Cauliflower is a quick and delicious vegan sheet pan dinner featuring crispy baked tofu and perfectly roasted cauliflower coated in a savory, slightly spicy black pepper sauce. This dish combines salty, sweet, and peppery flavors in a healthy meal that can be served over steamed rice or your favorite grain, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crispy Baked Tofu and Cauliflower:

• 12-14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ¾ inch cubes

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, avocado, etc.)

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

• ¼ tsp cracked black pepper

• 30 oz cauliflower florets (about 1 large head or 4 cups), thawed if frozen

• 3 tbsp neutral oil

For the Vegan Black Pepper Sauce:

• ½ cup vegan beefless or mushroom broth (or water)

• 4 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp rice wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 shallots, diced (or medium onion)

• 1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced or grated

• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. Toss tofu cubes with oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Spread tofu cubes on one baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.

3. Toss cauliflower florets with oil and spread on a separate baking sheet. Place cauliflower on a lower rack than tofu to avoid steam softening tofu.

4. Bake tofu and cauliflower for 30-35 minutes, flipping tofu after 20 minutes for even crispiness.

5. While baking, whisk broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and vinegar in a bowl.

6. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté shallots until softened. Add black pepper, garlic, ginger, and chili (if using); cook until fragrant.

7. Whisk in sauce mixture and simmer until thickened (~2 minutes).

8. Add baked tofu and cauliflower to the skillet; toss to coat evenly.

9. Serve over steamed rice or your favorite grain, garnished with sliced green onions and extra black pepper if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 341 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 23 g

• Protein: 13 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Saturated Fat: 3 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Sugar: 7 g

• Sodium: 852 mg

• Vitamin C: 104 mg

• Calcium: 89 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Crispy Tofu and Roasted Cauliflower: Texture and Technique

The cornerstone of this dish is the contrast between the crispy, golden tofu cubes and the tender yet slightly caramelized cauliflower florets. Pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture is essential for achieving a firm texture that crisps beautifully when coated with a thin layer of cornstarch and baked. The cornstarch acts as a light coating, helping the tofu develop a crunchy exterior without frying.

Separating the tofu and cauliflower on different baking sheets and placing the cauliflower on a lower rack is a clever technique to prevent the tofu from becoming soggy. This arrangement allows both components to roast properly—the cauliflower caramelizes and softens while the tofu crisps up nicely on the top rack. Flipping the tofu halfway through ensures even browning and texture.

Complex, Bold Black Pepper Sauce

The black pepper sauce elevates this dish from simple roasted vegetables to an exciting culinary experience. Made from a base of vegan beefless or mushroom broth combined with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil, it delivers a robust umami flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Freshly cracked black pepper is the star of the sauce, offering a sharp, pungent heat that complements the mild cauliflower and neutral tofu perfectly. Aromatics like shallots, garlic, and ginger add depth and fragrance, while a hint of chili pepper can be included for extra spice if desired. This sauce simmers quickly, thickening to coat the tofu and cauliflower evenly, resulting in a glossy, flavorful finish.

Healthy and Nutrient-Packed

This vegan dinner packs a nutritional punch with a well-rounded profile. The tofu provides a solid 13 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle repair and satiety, especially important in plant-based diets. Cauliflower contributes fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, with a particularly impressive 104 mg of vitamin C, boosting immune health and skin vitality.

Though the dish contains a moderate amount of fat (24 grams), most come from healthy sources like sesame oil and the neutral oil used in roasting. Saturated fat is low, keeping the meal heart-friendly. The fiber content at 5 grams supports digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness, while carbohydrates provide energy for sustained activity.

Sodium content is notable due to soy sauce and broth, so those monitoring salt intake may wish to adjust seasoning accordingly or opt for low-sodium soy sauce varieties.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

This Black Pepper Tofu & Cauliflower dish is highly adaptable. It works well served over steamed white, brown, or jasmine rice, as well as quinoa or other grains, making it easy to tailor the meal to your preferences and nutritional goals.

For extra freshness and crunch, garnish with thinly sliced green onions and an additional sprinkle of cracked black pepper. You can also add roasted nuts or seeds, such as sesame seeds, for added texture and flavor.

This dish can be easily doubled to feed a crowd or prepared as meal prep for the week, as the flavors often deepen and improve after resting in the fridge.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Tofu & Cauliflower is a quick, nutritious, and satisfying vegan meal that showcases how simple ingredients can be elevated with the right techniques and bold flavors. The crispy tofu and roasted cauliflower provide contrasting textures, while the savory, slightly spicy black pepper sauce ties everything together in a harmonious balance of taste. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it offers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and peppery notes, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Served over steamed rice or any preferred grain, this meal is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a flavorful, plant-based dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Including this recipe on your website offers readers an accessible, wholesome, and tasty option that highlights the versatility of vegan cooking with a vibrant Asian-inspired flair.