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Baked Tofu (Perfectly Crispy!)
5 from 60 votes

Baked Tofu (Perfectly Crispy!)

Baked Tofu (Perfectly Crispy!) features firm tofu cubes tossed in sesame oil, seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, then coated in arrowroot starch and baked to form a crisp exterior. Pressing the tofu before baking removes moisture and allows better texture and seasoning absorption.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 188 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz.) block extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted
  • 1 teaspoon salt I use Real Salt brand; use less to reduce sodium, fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • cayenne pepper pinch
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain the tofu, then cut it in half lengthwise, making two thinner pieces.
  2. Set a towel down on the counter, then place the two tofu pieces on one side of the towel. Fold the other side over, sandwiching the tofu in the middle of the towel. Place something heavy on top of the towel, like a cast iron skillet, to help "press" the moisture out of the tofu. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the tofu from the towel, cut it into 1-inch cubes, transfer the cubes to a bowl, and toss them with the sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, stir together the salt, garlic, and cayenne, then sprinkle it over the tofu. Stir well to season.
  4. Sprinkle the arrowroot starch over the tofu, and stir until the powder is no longer visible. Pour the tofu onto the prepared baking sheet, and arrange it so that none of the cubes are touching each other. Bake at 400ºF for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the pan from the oven, flip the tofu pieces over, and bake for 15 more minutes, or until the tofu is golden on the outside. Serve it warm right away, with your favorite dipping sauce, or add it to your favorite meal for extra protein. Leftover tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Use a full teaspoon of salt for well-seasoned tofu, but reduce if preferred to control sodium.
  • You can substitute or add other seasonings to customize the flavor profile.
  • Nutrition info is approximate and based on one of two servings from this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Calories 188kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Sodium 1288mg (54%) Potassium 315mg (7%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 64mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 188

% Daily Value*

Calories 188kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 1288mg 54%
Potassium 315mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 64mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.