Oven Baked Crispy Tofu

$- 14 oz firm tofu, well-pressed and drained - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Salt, to taste - 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Toasted sesame seeds (for finishing touch) How to properly press tofu To press tofu, start with a block of firm tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top, like a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This step helps remove excess water, making the tofu crispier when baked. Measuring out cornstarch and liquids Use a measuring spoon for cornstarch and liquids. Accurate measuring ensures the right texture. For the soy sauce and sesame oil, pour them into separate bowls ready for mixing. This makes marinating easy. Preparing garnishes Chop green onions finely. You want small pieces that add color and flavor. Measure out sesame seeds if you want to toast them. Toasting adds a nutty flavor that enhances the dish. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the tofu from sticking. Cut your well-pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl. This makes it easy to marinate later. In another bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk until it's smooth. This marinade gives the tofu great flavor. Drizzle this mixture over the tofu cubes. Toss gently with your hands. Make sure each piece is covered well. Let the tofu marinate for about 15 minutes. This will help the flavors soak in. After marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu. Toss the cubes again until they are all coated. The cornstarch is key for a crispy texture. Now, arrange the tofu cubes on your prepared baking sheet. Space them evenly; this helps them cook well. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu halfway through. This ensures they brown evenly. When the tofu is golden brown and crispy, take it out. Let it cool for a few minutes. Lightly season with salt, then add green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Enjoy this dish with some steamed rice or your favorite sauce. For the full recipe, refer to the previous section. To get that perfect crispy texture, cornstarch is key. It creates a nice coat around the tofu. This coat helps to absorb moisture while baking, resulting in a delightful crunch. To avoid soggy tofu, press it well. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel. Place something heavy on top for about 30 minutes. This step removes excess moisture and makes a big difference. Adding extra seasonings can elevate your dish. Try adding chili powder for heat or ginger for a fresh kick. You can also mix in some lemon zest for brightness. For a deeper flavor, marinate the tofu longer. It’s best to let it soak for at least 30 minutes. You can even marinate it overnight in the fridge. This gives the tofu time to absorb all those tasty flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy cooking! {{image_4}} You can change the type of tofu you use. Firm tofu works great for this recipe. It holds its shape and gets crispy. If you want a softer texture, you can use soft or silken tofu. Just remember, soft tofu may not get as crispy. You can still enjoy it in stir-fries or salads. If you need a substitute for tofu, try tempeh or seitan. Both are tasty and offer a great texture. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and works well with marinades. Seitan is chewy and can mimic meat. Both options are perfect for adding protein to your meal. You can easily change the flavor of your crispy tofu. For Asian-inspired flavors, use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. These ingredients create a delicious, savory taste. You can also add sesame seeds for extra crunch. If you like spice, try adding chili powder or sriracha. These flavors will give your tofu a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. This adds brightness and freshness to each bite. Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your perfect flavor profile. To store your crispy tofu, let it cool first. Place the tofu in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to store it in the fridge. Use it within three days for the best flavor and texture. Avoid stacking the tofu too high. This can cause it to lose its crunch. To reheat crispy tofu, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu in a single layer on a baking tray. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help regain its crispiness. You can also use the air fryer. Set it to about 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. What can you do with leftover tofu? Try adding it to a stir-fry, salad, or wrap. You can also mix it into soups for extra protein. It’s a great way to use it up while enjoying new flavors. For the full recipe, check out the main article. To make Oven Baked Crispy Tofu, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Cut 14 oz of firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl. 3. In another bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. 4. Pour this marinade over the tofu and toss gently. Let it sit for 15 minutes. 5. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons cornstarch over the tofu and toss again. This helps create the crispy texture. 6. Spread the tofu in a single layer on the baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced out. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. 8. Once golden and crispy, take them out. Add a light sprinkle of salt, green onions, and sesame seeds. Yes, you can use different oils. If you don’t have sesame oil, try: - Olive oil for a milder taste. - Avocado oil for a high smoke point. - Coconut oil for a hint of sweetness. Each oil gives the tofu a unique flavor. Experiment to find your favorite. Crispy tofu pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty base. - Stir-fried vegetables for added crunch and color. - A fresh salad with a tangy dressing. - Dipping sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili for extra flavor. These sides make your meal balanced and delicious. To know if your tofu is done, look for these signs: - It should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. - The texture should feel firm and slightly crunchy. - When you poke it, it should bounce back, not feel soft. Using these cues will help you achieve perfect crispy tofu every time. In this post, we explored how to make delicious oven-baked crispy tofu. We discussed key ingredients, like firm tofu and tasty seasonings. Properly measuring and preparing your ingredients is crucial. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and baking the tofu to perfection. We looked at tips for achieving that ideal crispy texture and suggested flavor enhancements. Finally, I covered storage and reheating to keep your leftovers tasty. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and tofu types to make this dish your own!$

Discover the ultimate recipe for Oven Baked Crispy Tofu that’s sure to delight your taste buds! This easy step-by-step guide will teach you how to achieve perfectly crispy tofu with a delicious blend of spices and seasonings. Perfect as a side or main dish, this plant-based recipe is a must-try for tofu lovers. Click through to explore the detailed recipe and elevate your cooking game with this tasty vegan dish!

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, well-pressed and drained

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt, to taste

2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Toasted sesame seeds (for finishing touch)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size, and transfer them to a mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until well blended.

Drizzle the marinade over the tofu cubes, then gently toss with your hands to ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for approximately 15 minutes to enhance its flavor.

After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the tofu cubes. Toss the cubes again until every piece is coated in cornstarch; this coating is essential for achieving that desired crispy texture once baked.

Arrange the tofu cubes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out to avoid overcrowding.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip the tofu cubes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Once the tofu is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Season lightly with salt, then elegantly sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds right before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the crispy tofu on a beautiful platter, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions. Accompany it with a side of fluffy steamed rice or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.