Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Tofu Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite seasonings, and yields a satisfying texture—crunchy on the outside with a succulent interior. It’s versatile for many meals and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
extra firm tofu block
soy sauce or tamari
sambal oelek (or substitute sriracha)
garlic powder
coarse black pepper
olive oil
cornstarch
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
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Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze to remove extra water; pat dry.
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Cut or break the tofu into roughly 1‑inch pieces and place in a large bowl.
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Add soy sauce, sambal oelek, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil to the tofu. Toss to coat.
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Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until evenly coated.
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Arrange the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
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Bake for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Servings and timing
Serves about 3 people.
Prep time: about 8 minutes.
Cook time: about 18 minutes.
Variations
Spicy glaze: Toss baked tofu with a sweet chili sauce or sriracha honey for heat.
Asian style: Add sesame oil and drizzle soy‑ginger sauce after baking.
Herbed tofu: Mix dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon for Mediterranean flavor.
Smoky tofu: Add smoked paprika to the seasoning mix before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover baked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at medium heat to crisp it back up, or microwave briefly if you prefer softer texture.
FAQs
How do I press tofu without a tofu press?
Wrap tofu in a towel and place something heavy on top (like books or canned goods) for 15–30 minutes to squeeze out moisture.
Can I use firm tofu instead of extra‑firm?
Yes, but you may want to press firm tofu longer to remove extra water to help it crisp better.
Do I need to marinate the tofu?
Marinating adds flavor, but the quick seasoning in this recipe provides plenty of taste without long marinating.
What can I serve with baked tofu?
Serve it in grain bowls, salads, wraps, stir‑fries, or alongside rice and steamed vegetables.
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes—use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten‑free.
How do I make tofu extra crispy?
Spread pieces with a light dusting of cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so air can circulate.
Can I bake tofu without oil?
Yes, you can omit oil for an oil‑free version; texture may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I freeze baked tofu?
Yes—freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat tofu to keep it crispy?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than microwave to maintain crispiness.
Is baked tofu healthy?
Baked tofu is a good plant‑based protein that’s lower in fat when baked and can fit well into balanced meals.
Conclusion
This easy baked tofu recipe gives you flavorful, crispy‑edged tofu that’s great for many meals. Whether you’re new to cooking tofu or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is a simple way to enjoy plant‑based protein with plenty of texture and flavor.
Easy Baked Tofu
This crispy baked tofu recipe is a super easy, healthy, and flavorful plant-based protein option. Perfect for adding to bowls, salads, stir-fries, or enjoying as a snack, it’s seasoned to perfection and roasted until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main, Side
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Press the tofu for 15-30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes.
- In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with olive oil and soy sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle cornstarch and any desired seasonings over the tofu, tossing again to coat.
- Spread tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately or store for later use in various dishes.
Notes
- Use extra-firm tofu for best texture.
- Customize with your favorite seasonings.
- Great for meal prep – stays crispy in the fridge for a few days.
- Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 block tofu (approx 100g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
