• Home
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About

Wee Little Vegans

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
×
Add us as a trusted site on Google
Home » Recipes » Tofu Dishes

Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu

Author Bio Picture
Modified: May 6, 2026 · Published: May 6, 2026 by Melissa · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
↓ Jump to Recipe

This Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu is full of smoky, spicy chipotle flavor. Made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, spices and fresh lime juice. It's perfect for burrito bowls, tacos and more!

A bowl with Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu, corn, black beans, tomatoes and cilantro lime rice.

When the weather starts warming up we're all for recipes that do not require turning the oven on. This Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu is one of those recipes. This tofu is great because it's bold, flavorful and requires little cooking that doesn't use the oven.

Chipotle peppers are smoky, tangy and a bit spicy so this one may not be for those who are sensitive to spice. See the variations section below for a mild version or try my Spiced Tofu with Mango Salsa for an equally tasty, but not spicy dish.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Serving Ideas
  • How to make Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu
  • Top Tip
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Related
  • Pairing
  • Recipe

Ingredients

This super flavorful tofu is made with simple, easy to find ingredients you may already have on hand.

Ingredients to make Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu. There is a block of extra firm tofu, olive oil, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, salt, maple syrup, ground cumin and limes.
  • extra firm tofu
  • chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • maple syrup or agave
  • salt
  • ground cumin
  • olive oil
  • limes

See recipe card for quantities.

Variations

If chipotle pepper in adobo sauce is too spicy you can use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika instead.

Serving Ideas

  • burrito bowls with cilantro rice, beans, corn, salsa, etc.
  • tacos
  • quesadillas
  • salads

How to make Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu

This recipe is really easy to make. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.

A bowl of chipotle sauce sitting on a wooden board.

Combine all ingredients for sauce and blend until smooth.

A bowl of shredded tofu sitting on a wooden board.

Press tofu to remove excess water and grate.

An overhead view of a bowl of shredded tofu with chipotle sauce poured over it.

Pour sauce over tofu and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Overhead view of Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu in a skillet.

Cook tofu in a skillet stirring occasionally until browned and a little crisp.

Top Tip

Don't skip pressing the water from the tofu. Removing as much water as possible will help the tofu absorb the full flavor of the marinade. You can use a tofu press or wrap tofu in a tea towel and place something heavy on top for 10-15 minutes. If you're short on time there is pre-pressed tofu available so you can skip this step.

Equipment

You'll need a small blender, food processor or immersion blender to make the sauce for this recipe. You could also finely chop the chipotle pepper with a sharp knife if you don't have a blender.

Storage

Store tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. Good for 2-3 days.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Hoisin Tofu and Green Beans Feature Image
    Hoisin Tofu and Green Beans
  • Pretzel Crusted Tofu Nuggets Feature Image
    Pretzel Crusted Tofu Nuggets
  • Tofu Ricotta
  • Top view close up of Apple Cider Glazed Tofu in a pan on a wooden board.
    Apple Cider Glazed Tofu - V/GF

Pairing

We also like adding this tofu to these dishes:

  • Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadilla
  • Vegan Chickpea Taco Salad Feature Image
    Vegan Chickpea Taco Salad
  • Vegan Lentil Quinoa Taco Cups
  • TVP Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Featured Image
    TVP Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think! Leave a review and rating in the comments below. This helps me continue to provide great recipes for you.

Recipe

Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu Feature Image

Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu

Melissa
This Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu is full of smoky, spicy chipotle flavor. Made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, spices and fresh lime juice. It's perfect for burrito bowls, tacos and more!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Resting Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican Inspired
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 blender, food processor or immersion blender

Ingredients
  

  • 14 0z extra firm tofu
  • 1 chipotle pepper + 3 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Serving suggestions

  • cilantro lime rice
  • black beans
  • corn
  • salsa or tomatoes
  • avocado or vegan sour cream

Instructions
 

  • If you are using tofu that is in water, drain and place on a lint free towel. Place another towel on top and place something heavy on top to remove as much water as possible. Let side for 10-15 minutes.
  • While tofu presses, make marinade. Combine chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, maple syrup, salt, cumin and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Grate tofu using the larger hole of grater. Combine tofu and sauce in a bowl tossing to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
  • Heat olive oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu. Cook for 5-10 minutes stirring occasionally. Tofu should appear dryer and have some crisp pieces.
  • Use tofu as desired. Make bowls, tacos, burritos, etc.

Notes

If chipotle pepper in adobo sauce is too spicy you can use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika instead.
Keyword high protein, spicy, vegan

More Tofu Dishes

  • Top view of Spiced Tofu on a bed of quinoa and topped with mango salsa.
    Spiced Tofu with Mango Salsa
  • Top view of Baked Lemon & Herb Crusted Tofu on a bed of spinach and a side of asparagus on a white plate
    Baked Lemon & Herb Crusted Tofu
  • Herbed Tofu Crumble (for pizza, pasta, and more)
  • Top view close up of Basic Tofu Scramble in a bowl sitting on a green towel with a fork to the side.
    How to Make A Basic Tofu Scramble

Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I'm Melissa!

Longtime vegan and mom of four little vegans. I share simple recipes our family loves and my tips for raising healthy, happy vegan kids.

About me

Spring Recipes

  • Vegan Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars Feature Image
    Vegan Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
  • Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Feature Image
    Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastry
  • Vegan Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Pie)
  • Asparagus Walnut Mushroom Skillet

Popular

  • Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu Feature Image
    Chipotle Pepper Marinated Tofu
  • Vegan Scalloped Cabbage and Beans Feature Image
    Vegan Scalloped Cabbage and Beans
  • Smoky Red Lentil Crackers Feature Image
    Smoky Red Lentil Crackers
  • Vegan Taco Spaghetti Feature Image
    Vegan Taco Spaghetti

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Sign Up! for emails and updates + receive a 7 day weekly meal plan with complete shopping list.

Contact

  • Contact
  • About

Copyright © 2026 Wee Little Vegans

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT