Discover the delight of Baked Tofu, a crispy, flavor-packed Chinese dish that's simple to prepare. Made with extra firm tofu marinated in basic seasonings and baked to golden perfection, it's an ideal, versatile side for any meal, perfect for spicing up your lunch, dinner, stir-fries, or salads.
Start by draining the tofu of its water. Gently squeeze it to release additional moisture. For more effective drying, wrap it in a kitchen towel and press gently. Once adequately pressed, slice the tofu into equal bite-sized pieces.
To Marinate Tofu
Combine the cubed tofu, garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix gently. (Remember: Soy Sauce is often salty, so be cautious with additional salt.)
Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and toss gently, ensuring the tofu is evenly coated.
To Make Baked Tofu
Place the marinated tofu on an oil-greased baking tray, arranging them in even layers. (Note: In my experience, even with a greased tray, some tofu pieces may stick. For optimal results, lining the tray with parchment paper is advisable.)
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tofu is golden and crispy.
Once baked, remove the crispy Tofu from the oven and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.
To Serve
Enjoy this crispy Baked Tofu as a flavorful side with your favorite Chinese dishes, alongside rice, or in any recipe that calls for baked tofu.
Notes
Here are some essential tips to make perfect baked Tofu:
Pressing Tofu: To ensure your tofu is perfectly crispy, start by draining and then pressing it to remove excess moisture. You can press it gently with your hands or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, placing a heavy object on top for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is essential for a crispy finish.
Seasoning: While the recipe uses basic Asian seasonings, feel free to experiment with chili sauce, onion powder, or black pepper powder for an extra kick, especially if you're a fan of spicy flavors.
Salt Check: Be cautious with additional salt since soy sauce used in the marinade already contains a significant amount. Adjust the salt according to your taste, and you might even skip it if the soy sauce is quite salty.
Use Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking, line your baking tray with parchment paper. This makes both cooking and cleanup easier.
To Cook Tofu: For a perfectly textured tofu, bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. This high-temperature baking is the secret to achieving a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a super soft interior.
How to Use: This versatile Baked Tofu can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or Chinese dishes, or incorporated into stir-fries, salads, or any recipe that calls for a flavorful tofu addition.