Crispy Oven Baked Tofu

Crispy oven-baked tofu with no oil!  I was not a fan when I first tried tofu, but I grew to like it once I figured how to cook and season it.  Tofu definitely needs to be drained and seasoned.  It is very bland but takes on seasonings very well.  By removing a lot of the liquid and baking it will give you crispy coating and a soft and chewy center.

How to Bake Oil-Free Crispy Tofu:

1. Use firm or extra-firm tofu, it can usually be found in the refrigerated section on the produce aisle at the grocery store.
2. Open the tofu tray, drain the excess water out and gently squeeze any excess liquid out of the tofu.
3. If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. I like to place it on a plate to catch any liquid that the towel does not absorb.
4. Then place a heavy pot on top of the tofu to squeeze out more liquid. Another option is to place a plate (or cutting board) on top of the tofu and place cans on the plate to put pressure on the tofu.  You want to remove the liquid so it will get crispy and absorb the seasoning you add.
5. Let the tofu sit and drain for at least 30 minutes. It can also drain in the refrigerator overnight. 

   

6. After it is done draining, cut into cubes.  Slice the tofu in half horizontally, then slice it vertically one way, then slice it vertically again the other way (making four equal portions), then slice those squares again both ways to create 16 equal squares. Giving you 32 squares total.
7. Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C)
8. Place the sliced tofu in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Toss gently with a silicone spatula to not break the tofu.  Make sure all the pieces are coated.  If soy sauce does not pair well with what you are making, then season it with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
9. Place the tofu pieces on a baking tray lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Spread the pieces out, don’t crowd them.  This is also to help the heat move around the pieces so they crisp up.
10. Bake for 40 minutes total. Flip after 20 minutes.

Serving suggestions:

• by itself with a sauce
• add to a stir fry
• a salad
• a bowl with grains and veggies
• add it to a French baguette for a fried tofu sandwich (vegan mayo, shredded lettuce, fried tofu, baguette).

  

I hope you enjoy the Crispy Oven Baked Tofu recipe!

Crispy Oven Baked Tofu

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Allie
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Oil-free oven-baked tofu with a crunchy coating and chewy center.

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounces) extra firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (or season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon corn starch

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Instructions

1. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes
2. Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C)
3. Slice the tofu into cubes.
4. Add the tofu, seasonings, and cornstarch to a bowl and lightly toss.
5. Place the tofu on a baking tray lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Category: Dinner
• Method: oven
• Cuisine: American, Chinese

Keywords: baked tofu oil free, baked tofu, oil free tofu