How to Bake Tofu (2024)

Learn how to make crispy baked tofu that's not mushy or bland. Grab the easy tutorial for how to press tofu, dry it properly and oven-bake!

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Learn how to bake tofu in a few easy steps. This protein-rich, low-cholesterol food, made from solidified soy milk, is a top meat substitute. Plus, it brings fiber, calcium, and vitamin D to your plate. Follow my simple tutorial for how to cook tofu in the oven, and you’ll never feel intimidated by it again.

Ingredients & substitutions

• Extra firm tofu: Tofu comes in different textures from silky to extra firm. Extra firm works here because it holds its shape and stands up to baking. And, because it is more compressed, it is more nutritionally dense, the way Greek yogurt has more protein than regular.
• Canola or grapeseed oil: While many types of of cooking oil will work here, canola or grapeseed both have a high flash point so they will not burn in the oven and a neutral taste that does not fight the soy sauce.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce and tofu are natural partners, but many flavor-rich marinades you might use for say, chicken, could also work for baked tofu
• Black pepper: This pairs well with the soy sauce and tofu.
• Cornstarch: Is routinely used to help give baked tofu a crust but in a pinch you can use all- purpose flour or other flours like rice or potato.

How to bake tofu

press & prepare tofu

1. Preheat the oven with the baking tray inside. Open and drain the tofu. Now the tofu needs to be pressed to get the extra liquid out. Sandwich the tofu between paper towels.
2. Next put a cast-iron skillet or filled-tea kettle or other heavy object on top. Let stand to squeeze the extra liquid out. (You can even invest in a tofu press if you find yourself eating it often enough.)
3. Cut the tofu in half lengthwise and then cross-section into smaller cubes about 2″ long.
4. Move the tofu cubes to a bowl for seasoning.

season & bake tofu

1. Add the oil, soy sauce, and black pepper to the bowl and toss.
2. Put in the cornstarch and toss again until coated. Let sit for a minute, then toss again.
3. Carefully lift the tofu cubes out of the bowl, leaving the excess starch in the bowl. Place on the hot baking tray.
4. Bake the tofu in the oven and use a spatula to flip each cube of tofu halfway through the cooking until the tofu is gold brown.

Tips for baking tofu

1. Shop carefully and buy the extra firm tofu. The softer types will not yield similar results.
2. Do not skip the draining. This is key for making crispy tofu in the oven. If you skip this step, your cubes may be too soft to crisp up nicely.
3. Cut into larger or smaller cubes as you prefer. You can also cut them into thin triangles so have fun with the shape of the tofu based on what you’re cooking to go with it.
4. Use a bare baking pan to ensure a good crunch on the tofu. However, if you want to use parchment paper, it’s totally fine and makes for an easier cleanup.

Frequently asked questions

what do you serve with roasted tofu

Baked tofu makes a great main dish with some steamed rice (or any grain) and a green vegetable or some roasted delicata squash. It also goes great on top of noodles or replacing other proteins in a sandwich. Since you’re already using the oven to bake the tofu, try to pair it with roasted vegetables or oven baked casseroles for an easy meal completed in the oven. Try it with:

• Roasted Cabbage Wedges
• Roasted Garlic Potatoes
• Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
• Roasted Butternut Squash
• Air Fryer Vegetables
• Crunchy Red Slaw

This crispy baked tofu is a great way to add vegan protein to your diet. Use any of your favorite flavors to spice it up and enjoy it for dinner.

More plant-based recipes :

• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
• Tofu Tacos
• Vegan Meatballs
• Quinoa Buddha Bowl
• Red Lentil Curry
• Air Fryer Tofu

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