Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (2024)

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5 from 5 votes

45 minutes minutes

by Marly

10

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This savory baked tofu recipe creates a crispy tofu that you’ll love serving any time of the day. Serve it over noodles for lunch or on a salad with dressing. Add roasted veggies and serve it for dinner. Tofu adds protein to your vegan diet, and it’s easy to work with when you know a few basic cooking tips.

Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (1)

I’m excited any time I get to make this delicious baked tofu because it satisfies my need for something deliciously savory. It’s perfect to add to my salads, in lettuce wraps, or even just as a snack on its own…which I do quite often!

If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb plant-based option, this savory baked tofu will be your go-to favorite!

Table of Contents show

Key Ingredients

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

  • Tofu — You’ll need a tub of extra firm tofu. Most tofu comes in tubs between 12 and 16 ounces.
  • Olive oil — We’ll be adding a bit of olive oil to the marinade. If you’re oil-free, you can substitute vegetable broth combined with tahini to create a delicious marinade.
  • Tamari — If you’re looking for a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, tamari is your best friend. If you don’t have issues with gluten, you can substitute soy sauce or Braggs Aminos. We’re just using a bit to add flavor.
  • “Batter” — To create a crispy coating on the tofu, it helps to coat it with something. You can use cornstarch or use almond flour. It works just fine as a starch-free substitute.
  • Spices — We’ll add a combination of spices for the best flavor, including ground garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper.

How to Make Baked Tofu

  1. Drain the tub of tofu of all the packing liquid. Then press tofu by wrapping it in a kitchen towel and topping it with something heavy like a can of beans.
  2. Cut pressed tofu into 3/4 to 1-inch cubes.
  3. Transfer tofu cubes to a bowl and toss with olive oil and tamari (or soy sauce).
  4. Combine cornstarch with spices. Sprinkle over tofu and toss gently to combine.
  5. Arrange tofu on the prepared pan in a single layer.
  6. Bake until golden edges on all sides of the tofu (flip the tofu about halfway through the bake).
  7. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
  8. Serve with noodles and your favorite sauces.

Crispy Baked Tofu With No Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a common ingredient with tofu. We use it to create a batter that results in crispy tofu.

But what if you prefer cooking without cornstarch?

I’ve got you covered! Make this easy-baked tofu recipe with almond flour instead of cornstarch. It creates a similar crispy crust around the tofu, making every bite oh-so-delicious!

Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (2)

Roasted Tofu and Veggies

This baked tofu recipe is so adaptable it can be used in many recipes. Once it’s baked and crispy, toss it over salads, or serve it over noodles. Just imagine any recipe that could benefit from some savory vegetarian protein and go with it!

Here are some favorite veggies to serve with tofu:

  • Zesty Sesame Zoodles and roasted veggies pair perfectly with baked tofu.
  • Serve this baked tofu over cauliflower rice for the ultimate in vegan low-carb keto bliss!
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls — Flavorful baked tofu is the perfect filling with these light and delicious spring rolls.
  • Steamed Broccoli is our go-to favorite to serve with noodles and tofu.

Storage Tips

Transfer any uneaten tofu to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Do you have to press tofu before baking it?

It is essential to press the packing liquid from tofu in order to get the best texture and flavor. Tofu is packaged in water to keep the flavor fresh on the shelf. However, tofu is like a sponge. When you press the packing liquid out of the tofu, it’s ready to absorb whatever spices you’re cooking it with, making it all the more flavorful!

Does baking tofu make it crispy?

With the right coating, baked tofu will have a crispy crust that makes you come back for more! You also need to give the tofu cubes space so the air circulating around them can create that perfectly crispy crust.

Baked Tofu Marinade

The best marinade for tofu includes whatever flavors you like best. I prefer a little umami flavor, which is why I add tamari. Here are some favorite flavors to add to your marinade:

  • You can play around with the seasonings; for example, add lemon pepper seasoning for added zest.
  • Try adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a rich flavor.
  • Tahini adds amazing flavor and is an excellent fat substitute if you prefer cooking without vegetable oil.
Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (3)

I guess that’s the idea of cleansing in the first place. Discover new and healthy ways to eat food you love…that leave you feeling refreshed and energized!

Baked Tofu Recipes

If you love this savory baked tofu recipe, here are more tofu dishes to enjoy:

Miso Tofu

15 mins total

Lemon Pepper Tofu

45 mins total

Tofu Casserole with Cheesy Rice

95 mins total

Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (8)

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Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (9)

Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (10)

Crispy Baked Tofu

Make this easy crispy baked tofu in the oven. Serve it on salads, in veggie rolls, over noodles, or even as a snack with some dipping sauce.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Resting Time:: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 102kcal

Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

  • 15 ounce block extra firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (substitute tahini or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (substitute almond flour)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Press the Tofu: Drain the tub of tofu of all the packing liquid. Then press tofu by wrapping in a kitchen towel and topping with something heavy like a can of beans. Alternatively, use a tofu press. Once pressed, cut tofu into 3/4 to 1-inch cubes.

  • Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Transfer tofu cubes to a bowl. Toss with olive oil and tamari (or soy sauce).

  • Combine cornstarch with spices. Sprinkle over tofu and toss gently to combine.

  • Arrange tofu on the prepared pan in a single layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing the tofu about halfway through cooking to ensure crispy golden edges on all sides.

  • Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve with noodles and your favorite sauces.

  • Storage: Transfer any uneaten tofu to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Recommended Equipment

Tofu Press

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Notes

You can add a teaspoon or two of maple syrup to create a savory sweet tofu.

If you prefer a slow-baked tofu, heat oven to 200F and bake tofu for up to 2 to 4 hours.

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 319mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a rating below then tag @namelymarly on Instagram and hashtag it #namelymarly. I love seeing your creations!

This post was originally published in 2012 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2023.

Savory Baked Tofu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my baked tofu not crispy? ›

First off, you may have not baked your tofu at a high enough temperature. High heat is important for getting your tofu to turn out nice and crispy. Aside from that, I think it's important to coat the tofu in something to help it crisp up.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Why is my baked tofu rubbery? ›

Why does tofu get rubbery? Because it was probably overcooked, it was probably exposed to too much heat. I don't know if it was roasted baked air fried or sauteed, but when it becomes, uh, overcooked, it's gonna get very, very tough.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze. But having one isn't necessary.

What to use instead of cornstarch for crispy tofu? ›

6 Cornstarch Substitutes for All Your Cooking and Baking Needs
  1. Potato Starch. Potato starch is the cornstarch substitute favorite of associate food editor Kendra Vaculin. ...
  2. Rice Flour. ...
  3. All-Purpose Flour. ...
  4. Tapioca Flour. ...
  5. Arrowroot Powder. ...
  6. Xanthan Gum.
Jun 13, 2022

What does adding cornstarch to tofu do? ›

A light coating of cornstarch will absorb even more moisture from the tofu's surface and contribute to a distinct coating. Sprinkle over the starch (potato starch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot all work too) a little bit at a time and toss the tofu, pressing gently so the starch adheres.

Why can't you eat a lot of tofu? ›

Still, tofu and other soy products also make some people wary because isoflavones function like a weak form of the hormone estrogen. But concerns that soy can cause infertility or other problems in men are "not based on science at all," Sun said. Similarly, the American Cancer Society sees no dangers from eating soy.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, soy protein products like tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints according to a study from Oklahoma State University. An easy way to add soy to your diet is using soy protein powder. Spices.

What should I season tofu with? ›

Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

How to make tofu taste great? ›

Here are a few ideas:
  1. Marinate it: Tofu can be marinated in a variety of flavorful sauces or spices. ...
  2. Press it: Firm tofu can be quite bland if eaten straight out of the package. ...
  3. Fry it: Fried tofu can be crispy and delicious. ...
  4. Add it to stir-fry: Tofu can be added to stir-fries for extra protein and texture.
Apr 6, 2023

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

How do you know when tofu is cooked enough? ›

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add the tofu to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (otherwise it'll steam). Cook the tofu until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

How to cook tofu like a pro? ›

📖 How to Cook Tofu
  1. Press the tofu. Wrap the tofu in an absorbent towel and placing something heavy on it to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). After the tofu is pressed, cube the tofu.
  2. Cook the tofu. Heat a non-stick skillet and add oil on medium heat. ...
  3. Add your flavors! Add the liquid ingredients over the tofu.
May 14, 2022

How do you bake tofu to dry it out? ›

Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35.

How to fix soggy tofu? ›

Put a weight — a plate will be just fine — on the tofu. Leave it there for 15–30 minutes. You will see a big pool of water squeezed out. The tofu will now have a lot less water in it, and may pan-fry much better.

Do you season tofu before or after baking? ›

Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor. Alternatively, you can skip this step and season the tofu right before cooking with a dash of salt and pepper or paprika and chili flakes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

How do you keep crispy tofu crispy? ›

Using a batter for the tofu ensures that it stays crispy even after getting tossed in sauce. Cooking each component of the stir fry in stages and combining them at the end facilitates even cooking and browning.

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