Description
Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu is a simple and delicious recipe that features firm tofu marinated with fresh lemon juice, zest, and spices, then baked until crispy and golden. Perfect as a flavorful plant-based protein option, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a great addition to salads, bowls, or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Marinade
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for crispy tofu.
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture when baked.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles. Smaller pieces will become crispier during baking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Tofu: Add the tofu pieces into the marinade and gently toss to coat evenly. Allow the tofu to marinate for about 10 minutes so it can absorb the fresh flavors.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu pieces halfway through the baking time for uniform golden-brown edges.
- Check Crispiness: If the tofu is not yet golden and crispy on the edges, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the desired texture is achieved.
- Serve: Remove the tofu from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is crucial to remove excess water and help it crisp up in the oven.
- For extra crispiness, use smaller tofu pieces and avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.
- You can add other spices such as smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftover baked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free; be sure to check that your garlic powder and other seasonings are gluten-free if needed.
