This baked crispy tofu recipe is my 12-year-old son’s favourite protein. I initially shared it over 5 years in the past, however not surprisingly, I’ve continued to tweak and ideal it since then. I believe it’s higher than ever now!
With just some easy steps and pantry spices, you may make the very best tofu, too.
Relying on whom you intend to serve, you can even skip a step or two. I’ll stroll you thru how I make this on a weekly foundation (the straightforward method for my household) and the way I’d make this tofu for firm, which entails one additional step. Both method, it seems completely scrumptious!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Evaluation
“I’ve made many ‘greatest tofu’ recipes – can I simply say that that is THE BEST. Easy, straightforward, and completely scrumptious!” – Torunn
Baked Tofu Elements
- Additional-Agency Tofu. Tofu is available in quite a lot of firmness ranges, and also you don’t wish to begin with a comfortable one. Additional-firm is right as a result of it gained’t crumble when lower. You can too use “tremendous agency” tofu, which I’ve discovered at Dealer Joe’s.
- Oil. A tablespoon of oil helps the spices persist with the tofu, so the skin will turn out to be crispy whereas the within stays tender. Typically I take advantage of toasted sesame oil for taste, however most frequently we use olive oil.
- Pantry Spices. Garlic powder and salt create a easy but efficient seasoning for tofu. If you wish to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of spice, that’s an incredible addition, too.
- Arrowroot Starch. Only a tablespoon of this starch helps create a crispy outer coating to the tofu. (Cornstarch additionally works!) Should you omit this, the tofu gained’t prove as crispy.
Bake Tofu within the oven
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a big baking sheet (I take advantage of an 18×13-inch pan) with parchment paper.
Drain the tofu from any liquid within the package deal, then place it on a slicing board and slice it in half lengthwise. Lay the 2 tofu halves on a towel (or just a few paper towels), then fold the towel over them so they’re sandwiched between.
Set one thing heavy on prime of the tofu, like just a few books or a cast-iron pan, and let it relaxation for five to 10 minutes. This may assist to squeeze out extra moisture, so the tofu will bake up crispier.
Observe: Urgent the tofu is elective, and I virtually by no means take the time to do that on a daily weeknight. I do take the time to press it when serving firm, because the tofu does prove crispier with this additional step.
Step 2:
Place the pressed tofu on a slicing board and lower it into cubes about 1 inch thick. Then switch the cubes to a big bowl and drizzle with a tablespoon of oil. Toss gently to coat the items within the oil.
Sprinkle the garlic powder and salt over the tofu and stir once more. Then add a tablespoon of arrowroot powder and stir gently. You shouldn’t see the white powder whenever you’re accomplished stirring.
Step 3:
Switch the tofu to the ready baking sheet, and organize the cubes in a single layer to advertise even crisping. Unfold them out as a lot as potential for the crispiest outcomes; the tofu items shouldn’t contact each other.
Bake at 400ºF for quarter-hour.
When the timer goes off, flip the tofu cubes so the opposite facet can crisp, then return the pan to the oven for 10 to fifteen extra minutes. As quickly because the tofu seems to be golden on each side, it’s able to serve.
Serve Baked Tofu
You may serve this as a protein with virtually any meal. Listed below are just a few concepts that can assist you get began.
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 teaspoon effective sea salt (I take advantage of Actual Salt model; use much less to cut back sodium)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch
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Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper. (I take advantage of a pan that’s 18×13 inches.) Drain the tofu, then lower it in half lengthwise to make two skinny slabs.
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Elective Step: Set a towel down on the counter, then place the 2 tofu items on one facet of the towel. Fold the opposite facet over, sandwiching the tofu in the course of the towel. Place one thing heavy on prime of the towel, like a cast-iron skillet, to assist “press” the moisture out of the tofu. Let it relaxation for 10 minutes. This helps make extra-crispy tofu, however I skip this step for sooner weeknight meals.
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Reduce the tofu into 1-inch cubes, switch them to a bowl, and gently toss with the oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder and salt over the tofu and stir once more to distribute the seasoning.
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Sprinkle the arrowroot starch over the tofu, and stir till the powder is not seen. Pour the tofu onto the ready baking sheet and organize it so not one of the cubes contact. Bake at 400ºF for quarter-hour.
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Take away the pan from the oven, flip the tofu items over, and bake for 15 extra minutes, or till the tofu is golden on the skin. Serve it heat immediately, along with your favourite dipping sauce, or add it to your favourite meal for additional protein. Leftover tofu could be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
Salt Observe: My youngsters choose this recipe after I use solely 3/4 teaspoon of salt, quite than the total 1 teaspoon, after I don’t press the tofu. The crispier model advantages from the salt, however when the tofu is softer, I’ve discovered you don’t want as a lot. So, be at liberty to experiment with how a lot salt you favor!
Replace Observe: This recipe was up to date in February 2026 with just a few tweaks that my household normally makes, comparable to utilizing olive oil as a substitute of sesame oil. I additionally omitted the elective pinch of cayenne pepper that the recipe referred to as for. Be happy so as to add it again for those who choose a kick of spice.
Energy: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 15g | Fats: 11g | Saturated Fats: 2g | Sodium: 1288mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg
Extra Recipes to Attempt
Should you do this baked tofu recipe, please depart a remark and star score beneath, letting me understand how you prefer it!
