Crispy oven baked tofu is a simple yet delicious dish that can be used as a protein-packed addition to any meal. Its golden, crispy exterior paired with a tender interior makes it a satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based options.
This recipe, featuring extra-firm tofu, tamari, and a honey or maple syrup glaze, is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. It’s an easy and healthier way to achieve that crispy texture without frying. Here’s how to make the perfect crispy oven baked tofu.
1. Crispy Oven Baked Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 1 block (16 ounces) extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (I used gluten-free)
For the Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium tamari or soy sauce (make sure it’s low sodium!)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 4 tablespoons water, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Press the Tofu
The first step is to press the tofu. Extra-firm tofu holds up well when baked, but pressing out the excess water is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a weight on top (like a heavy pan) for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu
Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu with the tamari and corn starch until each piece is evenly coated. The corn starch will help create that desirable crispiness when baked. Then, coat the tofu pieces in the breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.
Step 3: Bake the Tofu
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure that all sides become crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the tofu is baking, make the sauce by whisking together the low-sodium tamari, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and corn starch in a small saucepan. Add in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once fragrant, pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine.
Step 6: Combine the Tofu and Sauce
When the tofu is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven. Toss the baked tofu in the prepared sauce until well coated. You can serve the tofu immediately or return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to bake into the tofu for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the tofu with some sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired and serve over rice, quinoa, or alongside steamed vegetables.
2. Tips for Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Tofu
Press the Tofu Well: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing the excess moisture is key to getting the tofu crispy. Use a tofu press or simply wrap it in towels and apply some weight for at least 15 minutes.
Corn Starch is Your Friend: The corn starch creates a light, crisp coating on the tofu. Even a thin layer will make a big difference. Be sure to toss the tofu in the cornstarch before adding breadcrumbs or baking.
Even Layering on the Baking Sheet: Spread the tofu in a single layer on the baking sheet. If the pieces are crowded, they will steam rather than crisp up, so make sure they have some space.
Flip the Tofu: To ensure that the tofu crisps evenly, flip the pieces halfway through baking. This allows all sides to achieve that perfect golden, crunchy exterior.
Bake at the Right Temperature: An oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal for crisping tofu without overcooking it. Too high, and the outside might burn before the inside is cooked; too low, and the tofu won’t crisp up as well.
Customize the Coating: You can add seasonings to the breadcrumbs to give the tofu extra flavor. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked paprika for an extra kick.
3. Serving Suggestions
Crispy baked tofu is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways to serve it:
Over Rice: A classic pairing is crispy baked tofu over a bed of steamed rice. You can choose white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add some steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.
In a Salad: Toss crispy baked tofu on top of a fresh salad for added protein. It pairs well with leafy greens, cucumbers, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Wraps and Bowls: Wrap crispy tofu in lettuce or tortillas for a fresh and crunchy wrap. Alternatively, use it as a protein in a grain bowl, adding your choice of grains, vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce.
As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve the crispy tofu as an appetizer or snack, dipping it in your favorite sauce such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or peanut butter sauce.
With Stir-Fried Veggies: Pair crispy baked tofu with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Add some soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a quick, flavorful meal.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your crispy baked tofu:
Storing: Place leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days.
Reheating: To keep the tofu crispy when reheating, the best method is to return it to the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the tofu on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. This will help restore its crispy texture. You can also reheat it in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes, which works great for keeping the tofu crunchy.
Avoid Microwaving: While microwaving is convenient, it tends to make the tofu soggy, so it’s best to avoid this method if you want to retain the crispy texture.
Crispy oven baked tofu is one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy tofu because of its satisfying crunch and ability to absorb all the delicious flavors in a dish. The process is simple, and the result is a deliciously versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
