Pica Tofu Dominican Style (Printable Recipe)
Crispy tofu inspired by pica pollo with bold Dominican spices and lime. Baked and protein-rich.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Tofu and Boiling Ingredients
01 -
1 block super firm or extra firm tofu, torn into 1-inch chunks
02 -
1 lime, juiced
03 -
1 shallot, halved
04 -
2 garlic cloves, peeled
05 -
4 cups water, or enough to cover tofu
06 -
2 tablespoons tamari or 1/2 vegetable bouillon cube
07 -
2 sprigs fresh cilantro
08 -
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
→ Seasoning and Coating
09 -
1/3 cup potato starch
10 -
1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
11 -
1 packet sazòn
12 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 teaspoon Dominican or Mexican oregano
14 -
Pinch of black pepper
15 -
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional based on seasoning sodium
→ Finishing
16 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
17 -
1 tablespoon avocado oil, plus more for drizzling
→ Sauce
18 -
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
19 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
20 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
21 -
1/2 garlic clove, grated
22 -
1 teaspoon lime juice
23 -
Salt, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place torn tofu in a saucepan. Add lime juice, shallot, garlic, water, tamari, cilantro, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
02 -
Discard aromatics. Drain tofu using a sieve and allow to cool and dry for 5–10 minutes.
03 -
In a small bowl, combine potato starch, adobo, sazòn, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt if needed.
04 -
Place tofu in a bag or container with lid, add seasoning mix, and shake gently to coat.
05 -
Pour vinegar and oil over seasoned tofu, reseal, and shake again until evenly coated.
06 -
Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined tray. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes on the bottom rack. Flip and bake for 8–10 minutes on the middle rack until crisp.
07 -
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, garlic, lime juice, and salt to taste.
08 -
Serve baked tofu with sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Use super firm tofu for higher protein content and firmer texture.
02 -
Add oil after the first bake if tofu looks dry before flipping.
03 -
Use low sodium seasoning or adjust added salt to taste.