Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown slice of tofu that's so flavorful and satisfying, even die-hard meat lovers will be asking for seconds! This Parmesan Herb Crusted Tofu is not just another plant-based recipe—it's a culinary revolution that transforms humble tofu into a gourmet masterpiece. Packed with rich, savory herbs and a perfectly crunchy exterior, this dish proves that vegan cuisine can be incredibly delicious, nutritious, and exciting.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (vegan)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and press it for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or wrap in clean kitchen towels with a heavy weight on top.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch thick rectangular slices, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine nutritional yeast, vegan breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the coating mixture.
- Brush each tofu slice lightly with olive oil on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Dredge each oiled tofu slice into the herb and nutritional yeast mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely to all sides.
- Arrange the coated tofu slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the crust to set and become slightly more crisp.
- Serve hot as a main dish, accompanied by a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Press your tofu thoroughly: The key to achieving a crispy texture is removing as much moisture as possible. Use a tofu press or wrap in kitchen towels with weight for at least 30 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs if possible: While dried Italian herbs work great, fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile dramatically.
- Don't skip the olive oil brush: This helps the coating adhere perfectly and creates a more golden, crispy exterior.
- Space tofu slices on the baking sheet: Ensure they're not touching to allow hot air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Let the tofu rest after baking: This short 5-minute rest helps the crust set and become even more crisp and delectable. Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
