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Crispy Baked Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

This Crispy Baked Tofu recipe transforms extra firm tofu into golden, crunchy bites bursting with bold flavors from smoked paprika, fennel seeds, and nutritional yeast. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked until crisp, it makes a versatile plant-based protein addition for pasta, pizza, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu and Marinade

  • 14 oz block extra firm tofu
  • 2 Tbsp Shoyu or Tamari
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil + more for drizzling
  • 2 tsp maple syrup

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2.5 tsp granulated onion
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1.5 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 rosemary sprig (chopped leaves only or a pinch of dry rosemary)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • black pepper to taste, freshly cracked
  • 1 pinch flaky salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Drain and Break Tofu: Drain the tofu block without pressing it to retain moisture. Using your hands, break the tofu into bite-sized pieces about 1/2 inch in size. Expect some smaller crumbles, which help add different textures after baking.
  3. Season the Tofu: Place the tofu pieces in a large bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons of shoyu or tamari and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the granulated onion, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, fennel seeds, oregano, chopped rosemary leaves, red pepper flakes, maple syrup, and freshly cracked black pepper over the tofu. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  4. Arrange and Drizzle: Transfer the seasoned tofu onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle extra olive oil over the tofu pieces and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance crispness and flavor.
  5. Bake the Tofu: Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. After this initial period, remove the pan and give the tofu a good shake or stir to promote even cooking and browning.
  6. Finish Baking: Return the tofu to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tofu achieves a golden-brown color and desired crispiness and chewiness.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs such as Italian parsley, basil, or onion chives if desired. Serve the crispy baked tofu as a protein-rich topping for creamy pasta dishes, pizza, lasagna, or enjoy as a snack.

Notes

  • Do not press the tofu before breaking; keeping some moisture inside helps achieve a balance of chewy and crispy textures.
  • Breaking the tofu into various sizes creates a pleasant contrast between meaty larger pieces and crispy smaller crumbles.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent tofu from sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
  • The recipe works well as a versatile plant-based protein for multiple dishes like pasta, pizza, salads, and grain bowls.
  • Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and re-crisp in the oven or air fryer before serving.

Keywords: crispy baked tofu, vegan tofu recipe, baked tofu snack, plant-based protein, tofu with spices, easy tofu recipe, gluten free tofu

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/crispy-baked-tofu-recipe/