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–+ servings
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
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: 2 people
Author Puja Verma
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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)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Crushed black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon green onions or chives (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ 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 350°F 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 ½ 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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