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–+ servings
Baked tofu pieces in a baking tray.

Crispy Baked Tofu

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Baked Tofu is a crispy, flavor-packed Chinese dish that's easy to make. Using extra firm tofu marinated in simple seasonings and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a versatile addition to any meal. Perfect for enhancing your lunch or dinner, it also fits wonderfully into stir-fries and salads.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 3 Servings
Calories 213
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Tofu extra firm
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • Salt to taste
  • Sesame Seeds to garnish
  • Cilantro Leaves to garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparing Tofu

  • Begin by draining the tofu to remove excess water. Gently squeeze it to release more moisture. For a more thorough drying, wrap it in a kitchen towel and apply a gentle pressure. Once it's adequately pressed, cut the tofu into even, bite-sized pieces.
    Drained, pressed and cubed tofu in a bowl.

Marinating Tofu

  • In a bowl, mix the cubed tofu with garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, soy sauce, and olive oil. Stir gently, keeping in mind that soy sauce is often salty, so go easy on the additional salt.
    Marinated Tofu in a glass bowl.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This helps to achieve a crispy finish when baked.
    Mixing cornstarch to marinated tofu.

Making 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.)
    Seasoned Tofu arranged on a baking tray.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tofu is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tofu halfway through the baking time for even browning. However, from my experience, it still turns out good even if you don't flip it.
    Tofu placed inside the oven on a baking tray.
  • Once baked, remove the crispy tofu from the oven and immediately garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
    Crispy baked tofu garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves.

Serving

  • 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. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our Serving Suggestions below.
    Crispy baked tofu served in a black baking tray.

Notes

Here are some tips to make perfect Baked Tofu in your own kitchen:
  • Pressing Tofu: Begin by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, which is key for achieving a crispy texture. You can press it gently with your hands, or for more efficiency, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Marinating Time: To deepen the flavors, consider marinating the tofu for at least an hour or, if time allows, overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marinating time helps the tofu fully absorb the seasonings, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
  • Seasoning: The recipe calls for basic Asian seasonings, but don't hesitate to experiment with chili sauce, onion powder, or black pepper for added spice, particularly if you enjoy bold flavors.
  • Broiling Option: For an extra crispy finish, set your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes after baking. Closely monitor to prevent burning. This step can give the tofu a crunchier texture similar to frying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 283mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 2mg

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