This marinated baked tofu is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavour. Made with simple ingredients.
If you’ve ever struggled to make tofu that’s actually crispy and flavourful, this recipe is for you. With a simple marinade and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll get golden, crunchy tofu bites that can be enjoyed on their own or added to your favourite dishes.
The best part? Tofu soaks up whatever flavours you cook it with meaning you can swap for any seasoning you know and love!
What Is Tofu?
Tofu is made from soybeans. Think of it as the “cheese” of soy milk. It’s a plant-based protein that’s naturally low in saturated fat and rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Since tofu is neutral in flavour, it takes on the taste of the sauces and spices you use, making it one of the most versatile ingredients in a plant-based kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein – a great vegetarian source of protein for balanced meals.
- Crispy and flavourful – thanks to the cornstarch and simple seasonings.
- Meal-prep friendly – store and reheat easily throughout the week.
- Versatile – delicious on its own or paired with grains, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive/avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Press the tofu – Drain the tofu and press it for 5 minutes to remove excess water. This helps it crisp up in the oven.
- Cut into cubes – Slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Make the marinade – In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the tofu – Gently toss the tofu cubes in the marinade until evenly coated. Sprinkle it with cornstarch and toss again.
- Arrange and bake – Spread tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure all the tofu pieces are separated on the pan for even cooking.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy to your liking.
Ways to Serve Baked Tofu
- Over a bowl of rice or noodles
- In stir-fries or grain bowls
- As a salad topper
- Wrapped in lettuce cups or rice paper rolls
- As a protein-rich snack on its own
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Dietitian Tip
For even more flavour, marinate your tofu for 30 minutes (or overnight) before baking. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavour!
Bottom Line
This marinated baked tofu is a simple, satisfying way to add more plant-based protein to your meals. It’s crispy, nutritious, and so easy to make proof that tofu doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
FAQs: Marinated Baked Tofu
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll get extra crispy edges with less oil and a faster cooking time.
Tofu absorbs flavour from marinades, so the longer it sits, the better. Try marinating for at least 30 minutes before baking — or experiment with different seasonings like teriyaki, curry powder, chili flakes, or lemon-garlic for a new twist each time.
No however, pressing the tofu removes excess water, which helps the tofu get even crisper.
More Recipes
Recipe
Marinated Baked Tofu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Press the tofu – Drain the tofu and press it for 5 minutes to remove excess water. This helps it crisp up in the oven.
- Cut into cubes – Slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Make the marinade – In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the tofu – Gently toss the tofu cubes in the marinade until evenly coated. Sprinkle it with cornstarch and toss again.
- Arrange and bake – Spread tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure all the tofu pieces are separated on the pan for even cooking.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy to your liking.
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