Savory Baked Tofu Recipes

ASIAN STYLE SAVORY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• For best results, tofu should be "pressed" in order to remove excess liquid and absorb the flavors of the marinade.
• Press tofu block between two plates, weighted down with a cast iron pan, large bowl of water, or heavy cans, for about 30 minutes.
• Halfway through, you may dump the plate of water and flip the tofu block.
• To make marinade, simply whisk together the ingredients in a bowl.
• After tofu is pressed, cut the block into small cubes or triangles.
• Place pieces of tofu into baking dish, and cover with the marinade.
• The tofu can sit overnight in the marinade, or can be prepared right away.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Bake tofu about 35-45 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
• Tofu can be eaten by itself, or added to stir-frys, salads, soups or sandwiches.

BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a large baking sheet.
• Gently press tofu pieces to release as much water as possible. Arrange tofu on the prepared baking sheet.
• Whisk soy sauce, agave nectar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger together in a bowl until marinade is evenly combined. Brush half of the marinade over tofu pieces.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Flip tofu and brush remaining marinade over tofu. Sprinkle sesame seeds over tofu. Continue baking until tofu is crisp, about 30 minutes more. Transfer tofu to a wire rack using a spatula; cool.

HOMEMADE BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Drain the tofu and cut into 8 slabs crosswise. Blot well between paper towels or clean kitchen towels (or use a tofu press). Cut each slab into strips.
• Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Arrange the tofu slices in a single layer in a shallow container or baking dish and pour enough marinade over them to cover. Let stand for an hour or two-the longer the better.
• Shortly before you'd like to bake the tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F. If this is the only thing you're making, use a toaster oven-it's the perfect size. Remove the tofu slices from the marinade and transfer to a parchment-lined baking pan in a single layer. If you're using the full-size oven, roast some veggies at the same time (I like to use the excess marinade to roast eggplant or green beans).
• Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the strips and bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until the tofu is firm and starting to turn light brown along the edges.
• Variations:
• Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (or more to taste) to the marinade for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Instead of baking, cook these tofu slices on a grill. About 5 minutes per side should do-make sure there are nice grill marks on each side.

CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Blot tofu dry. Cut into 3/4-in. cubes. Place on a clean kitchen towel; cover with another towel. Place a cutting board on top; gently place a large cast iron skillet on top. Let stand 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Add tofu to soy mixture; turn to coat. Add tofu, a few pieces at a time, to the cornstarch; toss to coat. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until cubes are golden brown and crispy, 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

SWEET AND SAVORY SAUTéED OR BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Blot well between clean tea towels or several layers of paper towel, and cut into 1/2-inch dice.
• To sauté, slowly heat the oil, honey, and soy sauce together in a wide skillet, stirring together as they heat. Add the tofu and stir quickly to coat with the liquid. Sauté over medium-high heat until golden-brown and crisp on most sides, about 10 minutes, and serve.
• To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine the oil, honey, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl and stir together. Stir in the tofu to coat with the sauce. Bake in a shallow, foil-lined baking pan, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and the liquid has been absorbed, 30 to 40 minutes, and serve.
• Sweet and Savory Sautéed or Baked Tofu (this page)
• Chinese-Style Vegetable Fried Rice (page 94)
• or
• Asian Sesame-Soy Noodles (page 85)
• Crisp raw bell pepper strips and carrot and celery sticks
• Calories: 138
• Total Fat: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrate: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 511mg