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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet) - Fresh herbs (like cilantro or green onions) for garnish When you want to make crispy baked tofu, the right mix of ingredients matters. Firm tofu is key because it holds its shape well. Pressing it helps remove extra water, which is vital for crispiness. Cornstarch is your secret weapon. It creates that crunch we all love. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth while sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. For sweetness, I like maple syrup. It balances the savory notes. Garlic and onion powders give a savory kick. If you want some heat, red pepper flakes are perfect. Adjust the amount to your spice level. Don’t forget the salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. A light coat of olive oil on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking. Finally, fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions add a fresh touch when serving. For the full recipe, check out Crispy Baked Tofu Delight . - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or triangles. To start, make sure your oven is hot. This helps the tofu get crispy. While the oven warms, grab your pressed tofu. Use a sharp knife to cut it into cubes or triangles. Smaller pieces cook faster and get crispier. - Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Next, we need a tasty marinade. In a mixing bowl, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup. Then, toss in garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all well. - Add tofu to the marinade, gently toss, and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. - Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss until evenly coated. Now, take your tofu and add it to the marinade. Gently toss it to coat. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This step adds flavor. After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. Toss it again until each piece is coated. This will give you that crunch you crave. - Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it with olive oil. - Spread tofu in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the tofu marinates, prepare a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper and grease it lightly with olive oil. Once ready, spread the tofu evenly on the sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Keep an eye on it; you want it golden brown and crispy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To get crispy baked tofu, start by pressing the tofu. This step removes extra water. With less water, the tofu becomes firmer. A firmer tofu creates a better texture when cooked. Next, cornstarch plays a key role. It adds a crunchy layer outside the tofu. When you coat the marinated tofu with cornstarch, it helps absorb moisture during baking. This helps produce a golden, crispy finish that is hard to resist. To boost flavor, you can add spices or herbs. Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Or, try a pinch of cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also brighten the dish. Adjusting sweetness or spice is easy too. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes. Taste as you go, and make it your own! Crispy baked tofu pairs well with many side dishes. Serve it with steamed rice or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with stir-fried veggies for a colorful plate. To turn it into a full meal, add some grains. Quinoa or farro makes a great base. Top it with the crispy tofu for a delicious and healthy dinner. For the full recipe, check the section above! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of crispy baked tofu. For an Asian-inspired dish, add ginger and sriracha to your marinade. This mix gives a nice kick and warmth. If you want a Mediterranean twist, use herbs like oregano and lemon juice. These flavors make the tofu bright and fresh. Try different ways to cook your tofu. For a crispier texture, use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the marinated tofu for about 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, pan-sear the tofu on the stovetop. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the tofu until golden brown. This method is fast and gives a nice crust. You can swap ingredients to fit your needs. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. This swap keeps the flavor strong without gluten. Also, try different types of tofu. Silken tofu is soft and creamy, while extra firm tofu holds its shape better. Each type gives a unique taste and texture. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Tofu Delight. To store leftover crispy baked tofu, cool it to room temperature. Place the tofu in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you have a lot, you can layer pieces with parchment paper between them. This keeps them from sticking together. To reheat crispy baked tofu, use the oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tofu on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10 minutes. This will restore its crispiness. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. Both methods work well for keeping the texture. Yes, you can freeze crispy baked tofu! To freeze, let the tofu cool completely. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then freeze for a couple of hours. After that, transfer the tofu to a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat it as mentioned above for best results. Tofu gets crispy due to cornstarch and the right baking temp. Cornstarch coats the tofu, creating a crunchy layer. I always use a hot oven, around 400°F. This temperature helps the moisture escape quickly, making the tofu crispy. When you bake, flip the tofu halfway through. This step ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides. So, don't skip it! Yes, marinating tofu overnight adds great flavor. The longer you let it sit, the more the tofu absorbs the taste of the marinade. I love using a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices for a rich flavor. This method also makes tofu tender and juicy. Try it once, and you’ll see how much better it tastes! Crispy baked tofu pairs well with many sides. You could serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Add steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch. You can also toss it in a salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. The options are endless and delicious! Absolutely! Crispy baked tofu is great for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness. This dish makes busy weekdays easier and tastier! Yes, baked tofu is a healthy choice. It has less fat than fried tofu, making it a lighter option. Tofu is a good source of protein and contains essential amino acids. It’s also rich in iron and calcium, which are great for your bones. Choosing baked tofu over fried means you can enjoy all the flavor without the extra grease. In this blog post, we explored how to make crispy baked tofu using simple ingredients. We discussed the importance of pressing tofu and using cornstarch for that perfect crunch. You learned how to marinate and bake tofu, as well as tips for flavor and presentation. Crispy baked tofu is a versatile dish that can suit many meals. With a few variations and proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this dish time and time again. Embrace your creativity and make this recipe your own!

Crispy Baked Tofu

Discover the deliciousness of crispy baked tofu with this easy recipe! Perfectly marinated and baked to golden perfection, this dish is a great plant-based option that's both healthy and satisfying. In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy crispy tofu seasoned with savory sauces and garnished with fresh herbs.
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

Fresh herbs (like cilantro or green onions) for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    While the oven is warming up, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or triangles, depending on your preference.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

        Add the cubed tofu into the marinade, gently tossing to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

          After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu, gently tossing again until all pieces are evenly coated. This will help achieve that crispy texture once baked.

            Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly with olive oil. Spread the tofu pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

                  Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an added burst of flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4