Perfect Baked Tofu
- PREP 25min
- COOK 25min
- TOTAL 50min
I love this easy baked tofu recipe! We use a simple tofu marinade, which takes tofu from boring to delicious. Add it to your favorite stir-fry, rice bowls, and curries, or enjoy it alone. The cornstarch is optional, but it will make the exterior of the tofu cubes much crispier. You can substitute arrowroot, but it does not hold up as well over time or when added to curries and soups. I prefer cornstarch for this recipe.
You Will Need
1 (14oz) block extra-firm tofu, sliced lengthwise 1-inch-thick
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional for crispy tofu
Directions
Place the tofu slices in a single layer on a clean dish towel or several paper towels. Cover with another dish towel (or paper towels). To press out excess moisture, place a flat cutting board or baking sheet on top of the towels. Then, add weight by putting a few cans or a heavy skillet on the board. Let the tofu drain for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
Uncover the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry and add them to a bowl.
Add the soy sauce (or tamari) and maple syrup. Toss well, then set aside for 5 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the marinade.
Add the oil and toss well. Scatter one tablespoon of cornstarch over the marinated tofu (this helps the tofu to become crispy).
Spread the tofu cubes onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into one layer.
Bake for 10 minutes, stir, and then bake until golden brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes more.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Pressing the tofu: Pressing tofu slices is the quickest way to remove extra moisture from your tofu (especially if you do not have a tofu press). Consider buying a tofu press if you cook a lot of tofu like I do. It works wonders to remove water in blocks of tofu. Check online for highly-rated tofu presses (we bought ours from Amazon). It’s the Tofuture brand, but there are many options available. If you have a press, skip the recipe’s first step above.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.