Easy Asian Inspired Baked Tofu

Prep time 30 minutes | Cook Time 45 minutes | Total Time 70-80 minutes

Learn How To Make Delicious Baked Tofu

So many people think they don’t like Tofu. I think they just don’t know how to make tofu taste good! This Asian-inspired baked tofu recipe is a delicious high protein plant based recipe that is easy and can be used in so many ways.

The tofu is soaked in a simple Asian inspired marinade and then baked to perfection, creating a delightful crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and flavorful interior.

I like to call these “tofu steaks” because I love to serve them with a side of veggies and rice. They are also great chopped up and added to stir fry, salad, or noodle bowls.

Ingredients

• 1 package of firm tofu- I generally freeze my tofu before using it (see notes and adjustments)

• 1/8-1/4 cup of Tamari, Braggs Liquid Amino Acids, or Soy Sauce

• 1/8 cup of water

• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon of ginger (dried)

• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1-2 teaspoons of molasses

• 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of dark sesame oil

• 1/2 -1 teaspoon of chili paste (optional)

Instructions

1. Press your tofu to remove water for 5-15 minutes (see notes and adjustments)

2. While tofu is pressing mix up your marinade

   For Marinade:

3. Mix 1/8 cup water with 1/8 cup Tamari, Soy Sauce, or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos - pour into small bowl

4. Add your spices - 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder & 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

5. Add 1-2 teaspoons of molasses

6. Add 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

7. Add 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

8. Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of chili paste (sriracha) optional

9. Mix marinade well

10. Cut tofu into 9-10 evenly cut rectangles - about 1/4 inch wide. To do this put the tofu on a cutting board horizontally and cut from the top. The tofu should sit on the cutting board with the widest side down.

11. Put the tofu in a glass container that has a lid- pour the marinade over the tofu

12. Let the tofu sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour, spooning the marinade over the tofu occasionally. I like to put a lid on the container and just toss the tofu every few minutes to coat it. (see notes and adjustments)

13. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

14. Serve and enjoy!!!

Notes and Adjustments

I always freeze my tofu before using because it makes it more absorbent - it absorbs the marinade better. If you do freeze the tofu first be sure that you remove it from the freezer about 2 hours before you want to use it so it can thaw. If you don’t freeze your tofu, be sure to press it well and allow it to marinate longer.

If you have never pressed tofu watch my quick YouTube tutorial linked above to see how!

I often use a bit more than 1/8 cup of tamari - you can adjust to your taste. However be careful because you don’t want your tofu to turn out too salty!

If you have a glass or plastic container with a lid that closes tightly you can just invert the container every few minutes to make sure the tofu is coated in the marinade. If you don’t have a container just be sure to let the tofu sit in the marinade for about 30 minutes- 1 hour spooning the marinade over the tofu every so often.