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Crispy golden brown tofu on a white serving board
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4 from 4 reviews

Crispy Baked Tofu

Tasty marinated tofu baked until crispy on the outside and creamy and soft in the inside. This tofu recipe is simple, quick and a great vegan protein addition to any meal. Serve it with mouthwatering creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce for the perfect vegetarian party appetizer!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Asian
Keyword Baked Tofu
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
If Pressing the Tofu 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 338kcal

Ingredients

For the Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • sesame seeds (optional)
  • chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

To Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • In a small bowl mix all the dipping sauce ingredients until well combined. Garnish with sesame seeds and/or chopped peanuts (optional).

To Make the Baked Tofu

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Drain the tofu and gently press it to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. I use a small cutting board topped with a couple of cans and let it sit for no longer than 10 minutes. Tofu is delicate so be gentle. 
    You can also press it with the palms of your hands if you prefer or if you are short in time.

  • Pat the tofu dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel and cut it into thirds lengthwise. You will have 3 even slabs. Cut the slabs into cubes. You will get 5 cubes per slab.
    .

  • Transfer the tofu to a medium size bowl and season it with the garlic powder, dried ginger, soy sauce (or tamari), vegetable oil and sesame oil. Gently mix to combine. Marinate the tofu for 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
  • Remove the tofu from the marinade and place the tofu cubes on a plate or platter. This will help get rid of any excess marinade (liquid). The tofu doesn't need to be completely dry.

  • Place the cornstarch (or arrowroot) in a zip top bag. Working in batches, transfer the tofu to the bag and toss to coat.
  • Arrange the coated tofu in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tofu is golden brown, flipping once halfway through the baking process.
    Remove from the oven and serve immediately with the Peanut Dipping Sauce or use as desired.

Notes

  • Nutrition information provided is just an estimation and will vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.
  • Nutrition information includes the baked tofu and the dipping sauce.
  • If short on time, press the tofu with the palms of your hands to squeeze as much moisture as possible.
  • Use mirin instead of soy sauce if you are following a gluten free diet.
  • Arrowroot is gluten free and grain free.
  • Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter for the dipping sauce. 
  • Asian sesame oil is also known as toasted/roasted sesame oil. It is darker in color and has a toasty nutty smell.
  • Check the post above for step by step photos on how to make this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 228mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1.8mg