Indoor Grill Blackened Tofu with Spicy Mango Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu blackened on an indoor grill served alongside a refreshing, spicy mango slaw for a delicious plant-based meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your indoor grill to medium-high heat to prepare for searing the tofu with a smoky char.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Brush 14 oz firm tofu slabs (8 pieces) with 2 tbsp olive oil and evenly coat with the spice mixture on both sides.
  4. Step 4: Place the tofu slabs on the indoor grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened marks appear and tofu is heated through.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine 1 large peeled julienned mango, 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 shredded medium carrot, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, then toss the dressing with the mango slaw ingredients until well coated.
  7. Step 7: Serve the blackened tofu hot alongside the spicy mango slaw for a balanced texture and flavor contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Indoor Grill Blackened Tofu with Spicy Mango Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Indoor Grill Blackened Tofu with Spicy Mango Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Indoor Grill Blackened Tofu with Spicy Mango Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Indoor Grill Blackened Tofu with Spicy Mango Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Indoor Grill Blackened Tofu with Spicy Mango Slaw vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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