Name: Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) block super firm tofu; 4 cups vegetable broth; ½ lemon, juiced; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 2-3 leaves fresh sage; 1 teaspoon salt (up to 1 tablespoon depending on broth saltiness); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; Spray oil (for baking); ¼ cup cornstarch (for gravy thickening)

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If you’re craving a dish that brings cozy comfort and gourmet vibes all at once, look no further than this incredible Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—crispy, tender tofu slices baked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, aromatic herb gravy that elevates every bite. Perfect as a centerpiece for a holiday meal or any special dinner, this recipe marries simple ingredients with bold flavors to create something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot with a thin black rim contains a rich, orange-brown broth filled with three large, thick rectangular slices of tofu floating near the top. The tofu pieces have a firm, slightly smooth texture with a light creamy color. Small green herbs with delicate leaves are partially submerged in the broth, adding a touch of green to the warm orange liquid. The pot sits on a white marbled surface which softly complements the warm tones of the broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create the magic of Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe, you don’t need a laundry list of complicated components. Each ingredient plays a vital role—whether it’s the firm tofu providing that satisfying texture, fresh herbs layering in earthy notes, or panko breadcrumbs adding crispiness and crunch.

Super firm tofu (16 ounces): The sturdy base of your cutlets, perfect for holding shape and soaking in flavor.
Vegetable broth (4 cups): Infuses the tofu with deep, savory richness and forms the foundation of the gravy.
Lemon juice (½ lemon): Adds a bright, fresh touch that balances the savory elements.
Fresh rosemary (1 sprig): Brings a piney, resinous flavor that complements the herbs.
Fresh thyme (1 sprig): Offers a subtle earthiness, enhancing the overall herbaceous profile.
Fresh sage leaves (2-3): Introduces warm, slightly peppery notes to the gravy.
Salt (1 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon): Essential to tailor seasoning based on your broth’s saltiness.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Classic aroma and flavor that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and a hint of sweetness.
Oregano (½ teaspoon): Imparts a subtle Mediterranean flair.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Contributes a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
Panko breadcrumbs (¾ cup): Creates the crispy, golden coating that’s irresistible.
Spray oil: Helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly without excess grease.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): The secret to thickening that luscious herb gravy perfectly.

How to Make Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the tofu

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice your super firm tofu into 10 even rectangular cutlets. This step ensures uniform cooking and a lovely presentation. Having firm tofu is key because it holds up through cooking and keeps that perfect tender-yet-firm texture.

Step 2: Infuse tofu with herb broth

In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon juice, and all your seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. Give it a taste, adjusting the salt according to how salty your broth already is. Then drop in the tofu slices and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes to allow the tofu to soak up those fragrant flavors deeply.

Step 3: Bread the tofu

Carefully remove the tofu slices from the broth, letting any excess liquid drip off. Then coat each cutlet generously with panko breadcrumbs. Thanks to their moisture from the broth bath, the breadcrumbs stick beautifully, forming the start of that crave-worthy crunch.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Arrange the breaded tofu cutlets on a baking sheet lined for easy cleanup. Give them a quick spritz with spray oil—this is the trick that helps the panko toast up perfectly without using lots of extra oil. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Make the savory herb gravy

While the tofu bakes, remove the herb sprigs from your broth mixture. To thicken, stir in a cornstarch slurry—just mix ¼ cup cornstarch with ½ cup water until smooth, then whisk it into the hot broth. Cook over high heat, whisking constantly until the gravy bubbles and thickens to a luscious pourable sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!

Once your breaded tofu cutlets are beautifully golden and the herb gravy is ready, it’s time to plate up. I love serving the gravy on the side so everyone can ladle as much as they like onto their cutlets. This Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe delivers a winning combination of crisp, tender, and savory in every delicious bite.

How to Serve Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe

On a white oval plate placed on a white marbled surface, there are nine golden-brown rectangular food pieces arranged in three rows, each piece covered with a crunchy, crumbly textured coating that is light yellow with some darker toasted spots. Small green herb leaves, likely thyme, are scattered over the pieces for garnish, and a sprig of fresh rosemary rests on the left side of the plate. In the background, there is a white sauce pitcher filled with light brown sauce. The scene is brightly lit and clear, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness on top of the gravy. You can also scatter a few toasted pine nuts or a dusting of smoked paprika to elevate the appearance and add a subtle crunch or smoky finish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted root vegetables which soak up the gravy, making every forkful a comfort-food dream. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, slice the tofu cutlets and arrange them over a bed of herbed quinoa or wild rice. Drizzle the gravy artistically for an elegant plating, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a bright, inviting look. This Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe shines whether it’s a casual dinner or a show-stopping feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly baked tofu cutlets, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cutlets and gravy separate if possible to maintain crispy texture on the tofu.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Place breaded tofu cutlets in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The gravy can be frozen in a sealed container as well. Both will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the tofu cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again, about 10-15 minutes. Warm the gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use regular tofu instead of super firm?

Super firm tofu is recommended for this recipe because it holds its shape during cooking and handles the breading process well. Regular or soft tofu is too delicate and will likely fall apart.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe as written includes panko breadcrumbs, which usually contain gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.

Can I make this recipe without an oven?

Yes! Instead of baking, you can pan-fry the breaded tofu cutlets in a little oil over medium heat until golden on both sides. It may require careful attention to avoid burning.

What type of vegetable broth is best?

Use a good quality, flavorful vegetable broth since it forms the base of the gravy and infuses the tofu. Homemade or a rich store-bought option works well.

How can I add more flavor to the gravy?

Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of soy sauce, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or some nutritional yeast to the gravy for an extra umami kick before thickening.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Breaded Tofu Cutlets with Savory Herb Gravy Recipe enough when you want something that’s comforting, impressive, and downright delicious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy tofu in a new light and is sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite meal!