Baked Tofu
Published May 20, 2025

- Total Time
- 50 minutes
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Cook Time
- 45 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
- 1(14- to 16-ounce) package firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
- 2tablespoons tamari or reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for baking sheet
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2tablespoons cornstarch
Preparation
- Step 1
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400 degrees.
- Step 2
Remove excess moisture from your tofu by placing it between two clean kitchen towels or paper towels on top of a cooling rack or cutting board in the sink, and then placing another flat heavy thing on top such as another heavy cutting board, a cast-iron skillet, or both. Allow the tofu to drain for at least 10 minutes.
- Step 3
In a medium bowl, combine the tamari, oil, and garlic and onion powders, and whisk to combine. Cut your pressed tofu into equal-sized pieces ( ¾- to 1-inch cubes). Place the tofu into the bowl with the tamari mixture and toss, making sure the tofu is evenly coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch over and toss until the cornstarch is no longer powdery and has adhered to the tofu.
- Step 4
Lightly oil a metal baking sheet and arrange tofu pieces in one layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, using a thin metal spatula to flip halfway through, until browned and crispy on the edges. Allow to cool for about 3 minutes before biting into them, as they will be very hot. Use immediately or cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Private Notes
Comments
You can cut down on the oil by baking the tofu pieces on parchment paper. Olive oil adds better flavor than plain cooking coil. Smoked paprika is a great substitute for the garlic and onion powders.
This is the only way I cook tofu. It's so easy and comes out perfectly every time. Even my husband and son like it because it's so crispy. I find there's no need to press extra firm tofu, by the way. Try making the tofu this way with the NYT recipe for Kung Pao tofu: https://daily4you.info/recipes/1025397-kung-pao-tofu?q=kung%20pao%20tofu You're welcome!
I combine peanut butter, tamari and sriracha ( to taste) and mix until creamy. Using a brush, paint on all sides of tofu baking at 385 degrees for 35 minutes. No need to flip. Delicious every time!
All the comments I see here made something completely different than the recipe, lol, so I did something outrageous and tried it as written. The only thing I would change is to add salt to the soy sauce mixture before baking, perhaps 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. I did serve the tofu in a stir fry with a little teriyaki sauce added at the end, but similar to pasta, the tofu needs a small bit more seasoning underneath the sauce. That's the only reason I gave it 4 stars.
We loved this recipe. Used sesame oil instead of vegetable for marinade, and fresh garlic in place of powder. Also, did not press the tofu and it came out very tender - which we liked. Will be "go-to."
I look forward to trying this because I like crispy tofu but hate deep fat frying.