Crispy Baked Tofu

This crispy baked tofu is the BEST way to prepare tofu! It uses significantly less oil than fried tofu but it’s just as crispy, if not crispier. It requires 3 ingredients, is ready in 30 minutes and is delicious on its own or on top of rice or salad. 

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but baked tofu is better than pan-fried tofu.

I know, I know, but hear me out. I’ve spent the past year making tofu in a skillet (see: tofu stir fry and tofu enchiladas, for example) because I had always assumed that baked tofu wouldn’t be as good, mostly because frying everything just makes stuff taste better. But boy was I wrong.

This baked tofu is insanely crispy–I mean just look at the photos! The cool part about this recipe is that you have the option to make it with minimal flavor and then add your own sauce afterward, or you can marinate it more heavily in soy sauce and sesame oil and eat it on its own that way.

….which might sound complicated, but it’s not I promise. Let’s walk through how to make tofu this way, step-by-step.

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Press the tofu: I’ve said it before, but my tofu press is life-changing. I used to dread having to press tofu by hand (dramatic), but then I got a tofu press and everything changed. With that said, if you don’t own one, you can absolutely use a towel or two to press the liquid out of the tofu.

Slice the tofu: Use a sharp knife to slice tofu into cubes (see photo), and then add the tofu to a bowl.

Marinate: Add soy sauce (or tamari) on top of tofu, then use your hands to toss it. Then, add the cornstarch and repeat the process.

Bake it: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then pour the tofu out onto the baking sheet, making sure none of the tofu are touching. Bake it for 30 minutes, flipping half way through.

IS BAKED TOFU BETTER THAN FRIED TOFU?

Honestly, yes! You need to use a decent amount of oil when frying tofu, but you don’t use any oil when baking it, and it gets just as crispy if not crispier. It does take a little longer–maybe 10 extra minutes–but it’s well worth it.

CAN I REFRIGERATE IT?

Yes of course! When you’re ready to eat it, just pop it back into the oven for 5-8 minutes to heat it up. While you can use the microwave to reheat it, it will take away some of the crispiness.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BAKED TOFU

• Kung Pao Cauliflower
• Broccoli Rice Stir Fry
• Honey Garlic Chicken (but with tofu instead!) with cauliflower rice

OTHER DELICIOUS TOFU RECIPES

• Tofu Bibimbap
• Tofu Stir Fry
• Tofu Enchiladas
• Sesame Tofu Quinoa Bowl