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Crispy Baked Tofu Recipe

4.6 from 80 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 12 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil (such as canola or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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