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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Vegan Appetizers

    Baked Tofu Recipe

    Published: Aug 3, 2022 ยท Modified: May 13, 2025 ยท by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This marinated baked tofu is a simple recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes (no deep frying required!). Serve these golden, crispy tofu bites with a sweet, savory dipping sauce for a perfect snack, appetizer, or protein to toss in bowls.

    Garnished golden tofu cubes on serving platter with chop sticks.

    You only need a block of tofu, a few seasonings, and about 20 minutes to make this baked tofu recipe happen. And if youโ€™re into easy, protein-packed meals like this, you will fall head over heels for my Marry Me tofu!

    Why I Love This Recipe

    Once you learn how to make crispy baked tofu in the oven, thereโ€™s no going back! Tofu gets a bad rap sometimes, but when itโ€™s done right, it turns out golden, savory, and addictive in the best way.

    A lot of people think the only way to make tofu crispy is by deep frying it (which adds unnecessary oil and cholesterol), but this recipe proves otherwise.

    All you need is a block of tofu, a sesame oil-based seasoning, and a hot oven. Then, just dip or drizzle it with a sweet, savory, spicy glaze to take it over the top. I love serving it with rice, noodles, or even a big veggie bowl. Itโ€™s easy to make, budget-friendly, and so satisfying every time.

    Garnished golden tofu cubes on serving platter with chop sticks.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here's a breakdown of everything you'll need for this marinated baked tofu.

    • Tofu: Tofu makes such a great canvas for seasoning since itโ€™s neutral in flavor and soaks up marinades like a sponge. Extra-firm or firm tofu holds its shape best when pressed and baked, giving you that perfect crispy bite.
    • Sesame Oil: Adds nutty depth and helps the tofu crisp up in the oven. Toasted sesame oil gives a ton of flavor, but you can use any oil here.
    • Seasonings: I like to keep it simple with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
    • Tamari: Creates the salty, umami base of the sauce. I recommend low-sodium tamari to prevent an overly salty final dish.
    • Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness that balances the salt and acidity. Helps create that sticky, glossy texture in the sauce.
    • Rice Vinegar: Brings mild acidity to brighten the sauce without overpowering it. It also helps cut through the richness of the tofu.
    • Lime Juice: Adds zesty freshness and depth to the sauce. You can use the juice alone or add a little zest for more punch.
    • Chili Garlic Oil: Adds subtle heat and savory richness. You can use any store-bought brand, or make your own chili garlic sauce.

    Substitutions

    • Tofu: No tofu on hand? Tempeh will also work well with this recipe.
    • Sesame Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil works in the same amount.
    • Maple Syrup: Swap 1:1 with agave or coconut nectar for a similar sweetness.
    • Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used, but itโ€™s slightly stronger. Start with a little less and taste. You may want to add a touch more sweetener.
    • Lime Juice: If you don't have any lime juice, replace it with extra rice vinegar.
    • Chili Garlic Oil: You can also use Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes with a bit of oil to emulate that chili garlic oil heat.

    How to Make

    Making this baked tofu recipe is so easy! Just follow my tips for the best results.

    Tofu block on a kitchen towel.

    Preparation

    Start by draining the tofu and wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel. Place something heavy on top, like a cast iron skillet or a few cookbooks, and let it press for 20-25 minutes to remove excess water.

    Tofu block wrapped in a kitchen towel and placed on a cutting board.

    While thatโ€™s pressing, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once the tofu is ready, unwrap it and cut it into cubes.

    Cast iron skillet pressing on a wrapped tofu block, over a cutting board.

    Cooking

    Step 1
    Mix the sesame oil, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Gently toss the tofu in this marinade, being careful not to break the cubes. Spread the cubes evenly on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper.

    Tofu sliced in half and bite size cubes over a kitchen towel.

    Step 2
    Bake the tofu for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the cubes and put them back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Flip gently but quickly.

    Tofu cubes seasoned with oil, spices, and placed on top of a parchment paper.

    Step 3
    While the tofu finishes baking, whisk the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix until it looks glossy and slightly thickened.

    Step 4
    Once the tofu is golden and crisp, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle or toss with sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

    Crispy tofu cubes in a serving bowl with dipping sauce and steamed bok choy on the side.

    Expert Tip

    Don't skip the pressing if you want your tofu to get super crispy. Pressing removes all that extra water so the tofu can soak up flavor and actually brown instead of just steaming.

    Also, give each cube a little breathing room on the baking sheet. If theyโ€™re all squished together, theyโ€™ll steam instead of crisp.

    Cooking Tips

    • Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
    • Cut Tofu Evenly: Uniform cubes cook at the same rate, which means consistent texture and doneness of all the tofu.
    • Flip Gently: Tofu is delicate, so make sure to use a spatula and turn it slowly to avoid breakage.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What if I donโ€™t have parchment paper?

    Use a well-oiled baking sheet, but watch the tofu carefully to prevent sticking. Avoid foil, which can tear the tofu as it bakes.

    Can I prep the tofu ahead of time?

    You can press and marinate it a few hours ahead or overnight. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

    Will the sauce thicken?

    Itโ€™s not designed to be thick like a glaze, but it will coat the tofu lightly. For a thicker sauce, reduce it over low heat for a few minutes.

    Storing & Reheating

    This crispy baked tofu recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores well if cooled completely before packing it up.

    • Fridge: Store the tofu in an airtight glass container for up to 4 days. If possible, keep the sauce separate to maintain the tofuโ€™s crispiness.
    • Reheating: Reheat the tofu in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Avoid microwaving unless you donโ€™t mind a softer texture.

    More Vegan Tofu Recipes

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      Tofu 65
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    Crispy tofu cubes in a serving bowl with dipping sauce and steamed bok choy on the side.

    Easy Baked Tofu Recipe

    5 from 3 votes
    Prep Time: 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
    Total Time: 50 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 2 people
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    This marinated baked tofu is a simple recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes (no deep frying required!). Serve these golden, crispy tofu bites with a sweet, savory dipping sauce for a perfect snack, appetizer, or protein to toss in bowls.

    EQUIPMENT

    • Oven

    INGREDIENTS
     
     

    • 1 block extra-firm or firm organic tofu
    • 3 tablespoon oil of your choice (I used toasted sesame oil)
    • ยผ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Crushed black pepper
    • 2 tablespoon green onions or chives (minced)
    • ยฝ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

    Sauce

    • 2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (low sodium)
    • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • ยฝ lime for juice
    • 1 teaspoon chili garlic oil*

    METHOD
     

    • Wrap the tofu blocks with a kitchen towel and set something heavy over them for 20 to 25 minutes. You can also use a tofu press, but I just use a heavy cast-iron skillet. Then unwrap it from the towel, and cut the tofu into cubes.
      Cast iron skillet pressing on a wrapped tofu block, over a cutting board.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, salt, and garlic powder.
    • Move the tofu cubes into the bowl and gently toss the tofu to coat each piece with the oil marinade. Make sure to toss it gently enough not to break the tofu pieces.
    • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and set the tofu pieces on top and sprinkle crushed black pepper over them.
      Tofu cubes seasoned with oil, spices, and placed on top of a parchment paper.
    • Bake at 350ยฐF for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces and bake at the same temperature for another 10 minutes.
    • To make the dipping sauce, whisk the tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, lime juice, and chili garlic oil together in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
    • Serve with a garnishing of minced green onions or chives and sesame seeds.
      Garnished golden tofu cubes on serving platter with chop sticks.

    NOTES

    I like to serve this crispy tofu with sweet savory sauces (hoisin, sriracha, or thai peanut) with any sort of grains like white or brown rice, farro, quinoa, millet, or barley, or with in noodles. Without the sauce, you can use crispy tofu as a replacement for paneer in Indian dishes too. It is much healthier!
    *If you don't have chili oil, then add a ยฝ teaspoon of sriracha sauce and a teaspoon of minced garlic.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1426mg | Potassium: 460mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Asian
    Keyword: baked tofu, crispy tofu
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    Puja from Green Heart Love

    Iโ€™m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

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    More about me โ†’

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