How To Make Crispy Baked Tofu

Perfect crispy baked tofu

Tofu has to be one of my favourite foods! It’s nutritious, and despite a popular misconception, can be made insanely tasty!

Sometimes (all of the time), I get an intense craving for this Perfect Crispy Baked Tofu and I just have to go and make it. It’s super easy and a perfect simple recipe for those who are new to tofu.

The beauty of crispy baked tofu is that you can literally add it to so many things! From stir fries, to nasi goreng, to simply a large plate of roasted potato wedges (I probably do this 5 times a week – we love tofu and we love potato wedges in my household). I usually make a little too much (on purpose) so that I have leftovers for lunch the next day (most often with a salad and some hummus). I also love it in curries. To use it for curries, I bake it with a little curry powder and then add it in to the curry! It really is incredibly versatile and SO delicious.

Tofu is also a great source of plant protein, containing all 8 amino acids. It also contains calcium, iron and manganese, making it a brilliant staple for vegans! So let’s get on with it, let’s make my crispy baked tofu!

If you make this Perfect Crispy Baked Tofu then please make sure to comment below or tag me in your recreations over on Instagram using @ginabnutrition or #ginabnutrition – I love to see them!

Crispy Baked Tofu

How To Make Crispy Baked Tofu

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make my crispy baked tofu…

  1. 300g Block of Firm Tofu: Firm tofu is a great choice for this recipe because it holds its shape better and has a denser texture, making it suitable for baking. It’s also a good source of plant-based protein.
  2. 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that adds flavor and helps crisp up the tofu during baking. It also helps prevent the tofu from sticking to the baking sheet.
  3. 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (use Tamari if gluten-free): Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor to the tofu. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce, making this recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
  4. 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a key ingredient for achieving a crispy exterior on the tofu. It creates a thin coating that turns golden brown during baking.
  5. 1 tsp Maple Syrup (optional): Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and can help balance out the flavors in the dish. It can also contribute to the caramelization of the tofu’s outer layer.
  6. 1 tsp Spices/Herbs/Seasonings (of your choice): This is where you can get creative! Adding spices, herbs, or seasonings allows you to customize the flavor profile of the tofu. Garlic, onion, curry powder, and chili powder are mentioned as examples, but you can experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Crispy Baked Tofu

My Perfect Crispy Baked Tofu

Georgina Burgess
Tofu has to be one of my favourite foods! Sometimes I get an intense craving for this Perfect Crispy Baked Tofu and I just have to go and make it. It’s super easy and a perfect simple recipe for those who are new to tofu
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Healthy Snack, Side Dish
Servings 2 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 300g Block of Firm Tofu (ensure you've drained/squeezed the tofu dry)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce use Tamari if gluten free
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Maple Syrup (optional)
  • 1 tsp Spices/Herbs/Seasonings (of your choice) e.g. garlic, onion, curry or chilli powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 190c
  • Line a baking sheet with baking paper
  • If your tofu isn’t already drained, wrap it in kitchen towel and squeeze hard!
  • Cut the block of tofu into small cubes and place in a small bowl
  • Add in the oil, soy sauce/tamari, cornstarch and other ingredients (if using)
  • Toss the cubes until well coated
  • Spread the tofu over the baking sheet so that they’re evenly spaced, then place in the preheated oven to bake for around 25-30 minutes (depending on how big you have cut the tofu) until crispy and golden brown
Keyword vegan lunch, vegan side

Why is My Baked Tofu Not Crispy?

Ever wondered how to get a crispy crust on your tofu? Well, there are several reasons your tofu may not be getting sufficiently crispy. Here are a few of the main ones:

  1. Insufficient Pressing and Draining: Tofu holds a lot of water, and excess moisture can prevent it from getting crispy. Make sure to press and drain the tofu thoroughly before marinating and baking. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place something heavy on top to help remove excess moisture.
  2. Inadequate Marinating Time: Marinating the tofu helps it absorb flavors and can contribute to the crispy texture. If you’re not marinating the tofu for long enough, it might not achieve the desired crispiness. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the tofu.
  3. Not Using Enough Cornstarch or Oil: The combination of cornstarch and oil helps create the crispy exterior. If you’re using too little cornstarch or oil, the tofu might not develop the desired crispiness. Ensure that each piece of tofu is coated with a thin layer of cornstarch and oil.
  4. Crowding the Baking Sheet: If you place the tofu pieces too close together on the baking sheet, they might steam instead of getting crispy. Make sure there is enough space between each piece for proper airflow during baking.
  5. Baking Temperature and Time: Baking at too low a temperature or for too short a time can result in tofu that isn’t crispy. You’ll want to bake the tofu at a relatively high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) and for a sufficient amount of time (usually around 25-30 minutes) to achieve the desired crispiness. Keep an eye on it and adjust the time if needed.
  6. Not Flipping the Tofu: Flipping the tofu halfway through the baking time ensures that both sides get evenly crispy. If you’re not flipping the tofu, one side might end up softer than the other.

 

What is a Substitute for Cornstarch in Crispy Baked Tofu?

If you’re looking for a substitute for cornstarch to achieve extra crispy baked tofu, there are a few alternatives you can consider. Here are some options:

  1. Arrowroot Starch: Arrowroot starch is a gluten-free thickening agent that can work similarly to cornstarch. It has a neutral flavor and can help create a crispy coating on the tofu.
  2. Tapioca Starch: Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour, is another gluten-free option. It can provide a crispy texture to the tofu when used in a similar manner as cornstarch.
  3. Potato Starch: Potato starch is a fine powder made from potatoes. It’s often used in gluten-free cooking and can help achieve a crispy texture when used to coat tofu.
  4. Rice Flour: Rice flour can be used to create a crispy coating on tofu. It might not be as effective as the starches mentioned above, but it can still contribute to a crunchy texture.
  5. All-Purpose Flour or Rice Flour: If you’re not concerned about gluten-free options, you can use all-purpose flour or rice flour to coat the tofu. While these flours might not create as crispy of a coating as starches, they can still provide some crunch.

When using these alternatives, keep in mind that the texture and crispiness might vary slightly from using cornstarch. Experimentation might be necessary to find the substitute that works best for your preferences. Additionally, the application process may be slightly different, so you might need to adjust the quantities and how you coat the tofu with the chosen substitute.

I HAVE MORE TOFU RECIPES!

Yes, I sure do. Here are some of my favourites…

My Tofu Egg Mayo Sandwich

Tofu Egg Mayo Sandwich
This Tofu Egg Mayo Sandwich is the quickest and easiest plant based lunch. It has all the elements of the traditional egg mayo sandwich – texture, flavour and satisfaction – but without any of the egg!
Check out this recipe
Tofu Egg Mayo Sandwich

My One-Tray Vegan Tofu Fajitas

One-Tray Vegan Tofu Fajitas
Looking for a flavourful, plant-based dish that's easy to prepare and sure to impress? Look no further than these mouthwatering vegan tofu fajitas! Loaded with protein-packed tofu, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant coriander and lime, these fajitas are bursting with bold, zesty flavours!
Check out this recipe
vegan tofu fajitas

Why Not Try These?

8 Comments

  1. This is the first time my husband actually liked tofu! I love that it is so versatile. He was popping them in his mouth after they had cooked from the oven and I made the recipe with no seasoning, only the 1Tbs of soy sauce, and it was delicious. Thank you so much for this healthy and yummy recipe!

    1. ginaburgess96 says:

      This is the best feedback! Thank you so much for commenting. I’m so glad he liked it! Yes, I love it with just the soy sauce too! x

  2. This recipe worked and felt effortless.

    1. ginaburgess96 says:

      I am so glad, it is such a staple for me! Thank you for commenting 🙂 x

  3. Hi, just wondering if it the tofu can marinade for a bit before baking? I mixed all together then realized I’m not ready for a couple hours:(

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