Crispy Baked Tofu Recipe
Introduction
Crispy baked tofu is a simple, healthy alternative to fried tofu that offers a satisfying crunch with minimal effort. This recipe uses a light coating of cornstarch and soy sauce to create a flavorful and crispy texture perfect for salads, bowls, or snacks.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (such as vegetable or sesame oil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Press the tofu to remove excess water by wrapping it in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Step 3: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss gently to cover all pieces, which will help create the crispy crust.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 6: Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with oil for extra crispiness.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and minced garlic before coating with cornstarch.
- Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.
- Try tossing the baked tofu in your favorite sauce, such as teriyaki or spicy chili, right after baking.
Storage
Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes rather than using a microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use soft or silken tofu for this recipe?
Soft or silken tofu is not recommended because it contains more water and will not hold its shape or become crispy when baked.
Do I need to press the tofu before baking?
Yes, pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which is essential to achieving a crispy texture.
PrintCrispy Baked Tofu Recipe
Crispy Baked Tofu is a simple and delicious plant-based dish featuring tofu coated in cornstarch and soy sauce, then baked until golden and crispy. This recipe offers a healthy, high-protein alternative to fried tofu with minimal oil and easy preparation, perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Tofu and Marinade
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Coating
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Other
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil (such as canola or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press out excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes. Then cut the tofu into even-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
- Marinate: Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and drizzle with soy sauce. Gently toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Let the tofu marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Coat the Tofu: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu and gently toss until each cube is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outer crust when baked.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Oil: Place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over the tofu and gently toss or brush to coat, which helps enhance crispiness and browning.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides. The tofu should turn golden brown and have a firm, crispy texture.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Crispy baked tofu can be enjoyed on its own, tossed into salads, stir-fries, or served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential to achieve maximum crispiness by removing excess moisture.
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu to maintain shape during baking.
- If preferred, you can add spices or garlic powder to the cornstarch for extra flavor.
- For an oil-free version, consider using a non-stick spray or baking on a silicone mat, but crispiness may slightly reduce.
- Leftover crispy baked tofu keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispness.
Keywords: crispy baked tofu, baked tofu recipe, vegetarian tofu, plant-based protein, healthy tofu recipe, easy tofu recipe, soy sauce tofu, crispy tofu
