Recipes
How to: Crispy Baked Tofu
Valentina P
Crispy tofu needs two things: a good press and high heat. That's about it. This baked tofu recipe has crispy edges and a soft center. No frying. After cooking, slather the tofu in your favorite sauce or tuck it into a tasty curry.
How To MakeDiet Type: Plant-based
Shopping List
- 1 (15 ounce) block extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil (avocado, grapeseed, safflower, etc)
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or corn starch (optional, for extra crisp)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Optionally line a baking sheet with foil.
- Step 2: Remove the tofu from the packaging, draining out the liquid inside. Press the tofu using a tofu press, or cut it in half lengthwise and wrap each half in clean, absorbent towels. You can use paper towels or clean reusable ones. Set the wrapped tofu on a cutting board and then set something heavy on top of it. A heavy pan or book would work. Press out the moisture in this way for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the wet towels or the press from the tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes or triangles, about 1" inch large. You should get anywhere between 8 to 16 pieces per block.
- Step 4: Place the tofu in a bowl and gently toss it with the oil, coating all sides. If using, add the optional starch and coat all sides until no white starch patches remain.
- Step 5: Transfer the oiled tofu to the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast the tofu for 30 minutes, flipping them over after the first 15 minutes. Before flipping, set the baking sheet on a cooling rack/oven top and let the tofu rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Giving the tofu a little time to cool off before flipping will help it not stick and tear on the baking sheet. After flipping, place the tofu back in the oven to finish cooking.
- Step 6: After the 30 minutes, the sides should look golden and firm. Reduce the heat to 350°F and cook another 5 to 10 minutes. It should be crisp on the sides and soft in the middle. Set aside to cool.
- Serve: Enjoy. This is great in yellow tofu curry, or in tofu with spicy agave sauce.
Nutrition
Dig it? Leave a review
Your feedback helps us offer better suggestions for you.