Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful center - that's exactly what you'll experience with these mouthwatering Baked Tofu Bites! Whether you're a tofu skeptic or a plant-based food lover, this recipe will revolutionize the way you think about tofu, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with a dish that's not just healthy, but incredibly addictive!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup dipping sauce (your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu by pressing out excess moisture: Wrap the tofu block in clean kitchen towels or paper towels, place a heavy skillet or cutting board on top, and let sit for 15 minutes to remove excess water.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cut the pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika to create a marinade.
- Add tofu cubes to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Arrange marinated tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Remove from oven when tofu is golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
- Pressing is paramount: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy texture. Use a tofu press or the towel method to drain as much water as possible.
- Marination matters: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the tofu sit in the seasoning for 10 minutes allows it to absorb maximum flavor.
- Space is key: When baking, make sure tofu cubes are not touching each other. This ensures every side gets crispy and golden.
- Customize your seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, Italian herbs, or even a spicy Cajun mix.
- Dipping sauce selection: Choose complementary sauces like sweet chili, teriyaki, or a tangy sriracha mayo to elevate your tofu bites.
- Storage tip: These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 178kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
