Simple Tofu Feta Cheese Recipe

Tofu feta cheese is an excellent addition to salads and sandwiches and a perfect topping for pasta dishes. Or, eat this tofu feta cheese recipe with your favorite Mediterranean vegan nosh board.

When I first went plant-based, my biggest struggle was giving up cheese. Of course, I overcame it, but I still like the texture and flavors associated with cheese rather than the taste of the cheese itself. For that reason, I enjoy experimenting with making cheeses like vegan nacho cheese sauce or the cheese sauce in cashew mac and cheese. So, since feta was one of my favorite cheeses, I decided to throw my apron in the ring and try to make my own version of tofu feta cheese. And I love this tofu feta cheese recipe! It is an excellent substitute for feta cheese for the whole family!

Jump to:

• Different Types of Tofu 
• Does Tofu Need to be Pressed?
• How to Press Tofu
• Vegan Feta Marinade Ingredients
• Vegan Feta Marinade Ingredients Substitutions
• How to Make Vegan Feta Cheese
• Cooking Options
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe FAQs
• Tips
• Try these Incredible Vegan Entrees
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

Even though I have tried other tofu feta cheese recipes, I'm not too fond of uncooked tofu's raw, spongy taste.

As a result, I decided to go on the wild side, marinate my tofu, cook it, and then return it to the marinade for a firmer texture. 

And it worked! 

So, let's make some FABULOUS vegan tofu feta cheese! 

Different Types of Tofu 

At first glance, I can understand why selecting a type of tofu may be difficult for a beginner or even a seasoned vegan veteran. The variety of tofu choices at the supermarket grows as a plant-based diet becomes more popular.

There are five tofu types to focus on the silken, medium, firm, extra firm, and sprouted. Although you can now purchase braised, smoked, and pre-baked tofu, we will focus on the ones we cook with. 

Silken tofu, for instance, contains the most water of all the tofu textures. The thick, creamy, silken tofu surface resembles custard or thick yogurt. When baking, I use silken tofu for dressings, sauces, dips, or egg replacement. 

On the other hand, medium tofu is a little bit denser than silken tofu, but it is still really delicate and falls apart quickly. Therefore, I rarely buy medium tofu since I prefer a firmer and less spongy texture. 

For example, Firm tofu is another step up in terms of less water content and firmer structure. In addition, it makes a great tofu ricotta cheese like in my Zucchini Stuffed with Veggies and Tofu Ricotta. Although I prefer more frozen tofu for a tofu scramble, firm tofu is perfect if you like your tofu scramble on the softer side. 

Extra-firm tofu is my go-to for most recipes because it's easy to handle and contains less water. But, again, for me, it's all about convenience. Not only does extra firm tofu takes less time to press and stays together when grilling, baking, or sauteing in a pan. 

And then, there is sprouted tofu, the Cadillac of all tofu. Sprouted tofu, for example, doesn't need to be pressed. As a result, I chose extra-firm tofu to use for my tofu feta cheese recipe. 

Does Tofu Need to be Pressed?

For years I avoided eating tofu. Every time I made tofu, I moved it to the side of the plate because it was either fried or mushy. Most restaurants fry it, which doesn’t interest me, and those who bake and grill it seemed to have the same issues I did; soft tasteless tofu.

Then, I figured it out with the help of my EZ Tofu Press. I bought it on Amazon, and in the beginning, I made the same mistakes. I didn’t follow the directions ( a problem I have, haha); I was in a hurry as I usually am, and I got the same results….tasteless tofu I didn’t like.

Not only is the E-Z Tofu Press easy to use, but it is also the cheapest one on the market! I have owned it for years and never had to replace it with a new one. So, if you are looking for a quality tofu press that won't break the bank, this one is a great deal. 

How to Press Tofu

• First, carefully remove the tofu from the package, discarding the fluid from the package.  It's delicate, though, so be gentle. 
• Then, place the tofu in the middle of the press and turn both knobs equally about four turns.
• I usually place the tofu press in the sink on its side to drain properly. 
• Turn the knobs every two minutes, equally until the tofu is about an inch or inch and a half thickness.
• Most people stop here….NOT YET. Keep turning until the knobs are screwed as far as they can, almost to touch the opposite end.

Vegan Feta Marinade Ingredients

To make tofu taste like feta cheese, you first need to press and marinate the tofu in a few simple ingredients.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar supplies the sharp acidity needed for the flavors to come together.
• Yellow or White Miso Paste: The miso past provides an umami flavor
• Sea Salt: A small amount of sea salt enhances the flavor of the tofu marinade.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best whenever possible.
• Lemon: I used the juice and zest of the lemon for a more profound lemon presence.
• Italian Seasoning: This kitchen staple includes dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried marjoram, but several variations also feature additions like dried sage, fennel seeds, or even spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley gives the vegan tofu feta cheese a fresh taste.

Vegan Feta Marinade Ingredients Substitutions

• Rice or champagne vinegar are natural substitutions for apple cider vinegar.
• Substitute ½ tablespoon soy sauce for 1 tablespoon miso paste.
• Use bottled lemon juice and jarred minced garlic if fresh aren't available.
• Here are a few ideas: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon each dried basil and thyme.

How to Make Vegan Feta Cheese

• Remove tofu from the package and press using a tofu press or a heavy object like a book (with paper towels.
• Cut the tofu into four equal large slabs for cooking it.
• Set aside and make the marinade.
• Include all the ingredients for the marinade, except the chopped parsley, in a high-speed blender.
• Blend on high.
• Then, add the parsley after blending and stir.
• Add ¼ of the marinade to a container, add pieces of tofu and more marinade, and repeat until tofu is covered in marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Cooking Options

Grilling

• Preheat the grill to low (400 degrees).
• Place a grill mat on the grill or place the tofu directly on the grill for grill marks.
• Cook for about 8 minutes on each side, rotating every four minutes for the grill marks.
• Remove the tofu from the grill and cool until you can cut it into cubes.  
• Then, cut the grilled tofu into cubes and return it to the marinade. 

Baking

• Follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
• Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat  or parchment paper
• Cook for 15 minutes.
• Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes. 
• Return to the marinade in an airtight container.

Air-Frying

• Follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
• Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket several times throughout the cooking.
• Return to the marinade in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

Now that the tofu feta cheese recipe is done, how can you use it in your favorite recipes?  Of course, I had to try adding it to my Quinoa Greek Salad with OMG Oil-Free Dressing! 

Once I tasted the tofu feta cheese in my salad, I realized it was perfect for any of these recipes:

• Vegan Layered Greek Dip
• Mediterranean Salad
• Roasted Greek Bowl
• Mediterranean Vegan Quiche
• Greek Wrap Sandwich
• Greek Veggie Pasta Salad

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• I suggest using the extra firm or sprouted tofu for this tofu feta cheese recipe.
• Although most tofu feta cheese recipes are made with raw tofu, I suggest cooking it and returning it to the marinade for the best, deepest flavor.
• Leave the tofu in large slabs, strips, cubes, or crumble, depending on the recipe you plan to add the tofu feta.
• Serve the tofu feta cold, warm or hot.
• The vegan tofu feta cheese does not melt. It is meant as a crumble or cubed cheese rather than a melted one.
• Although you can freeze this feta cheese substitute, it does change its texture. However, it can be frozen, thawed overnight, reheated, or cooked.

So, if you love tangy tofu, add a little tofu feta cheese to your next salad or entree!

Try these Incredible Vegan Entrees

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