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Home Blog Dietary Concern Vegan

Crispy Baked Tofu

Cheryl Malik
Cheryl Malik Posted: 05/05/21 Updated: 04/11/23
5
/5
6 Comments
Jump to Recipe
DF Dairy Free GF Gluten Free LC Low Carb V Vegan VG Vegetarian

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Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu
Pin graphic for crispy baked tofu

This is the BEST tofu recipe out there, if you want crispy, golden tofu that’s full of flavor and easy to make. This crispy baked tofu creates a golden crust around quick marinated tofu cubes, and it’s perfect for dipping or including in any recipe that uses tofu. Delicious.

Close up view of crispy baked tofu cubes on a white plate

What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • This method gives your tofu an incredible golden crust with just the right amount of crunch.
  • It’s unbelievably easy to make! A quick marinade, a toss in cornstarch, then 30 minutes in the oven gives you deliciously crispy tofu with a little sweet-and-savory flavor. Literally anyone could do this!
  • Crispy baked tofu is a great snack or main dish all on its own, but you can use this method for any recipe that calls for tofu! Crispy baked tofu and broccoli with a side of rice? SIGN ME UP.
  • It’s even great as leftovers or make-ahead meals! It’s best when it’s freshly cooked, but the baked tofu will stay good up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can freeze it, too, but it’ll lose some of its crispiness and will be a little tough once it’s reheated.

Key Ingredients

Tofu – For this recipe, extra firm tofu works best. One of the great things about tofu is that it soaks up the flavor of whatever you marinate it in. Here it takes on this delicious, slightly sweet flavor with all the umami of tamari or soy sauce. Amazing.

Cornstarch – This powder acts as a sort-of breading and gives your baked tofu that ideal crust. The recipe calls for 3-6 tablespoons, but how much you use will just depend on how much of a breading you want your tofu to have!

Chef’s Tips

  • You can customize the marinade based on your preferences or mood! Feel free to add any seasonings you like, swap out the maple syrup for a little more sesame oil, use teriyaki sauce, or try BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy tofu.
  • To get truly crispy baked tofu, you need to drain out as much moisture as possible! Drain and press the tofu before adding it to your marinade. After marinating, drain as much of the excess marinade from the tofu as you can.
  • Since tofu absorbs, work quickly to cover every side of each cube in marinade before you let them rest in the marinade. Every side should be covered so that the cornstarch can stick well!
  • Can you cook crispy baked tofu in the air fryer? SURE! I recommend trying it at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flipping and cooking another 5-10 minutes. You can adjust the cook time depending on how crispy you want your tofu.
Crispy baked tofu cubes on a white plate

More Meatless Recipes You’ll Love

  • Tempeh Bacon
  • Vegan Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • How to Cook Tempeh
  • BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
  • Seitan Grilled Chicken with Vegan BBQ Sauce
  • Chick-fil-A Tofu Nuggets with Vegan “Honey” Mustard Sauce
  • Vegan Biscuits & Gravy
  • Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Hey – you’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook, too!

Close up photo of crispy baked tofu squares on a baking sheet
5 from 3 votes

Crispy Baked Tofu

Prep:15 minutes minutes
Cook:30 minutes minutes
Total:45 minutes minutes
This is the BEST tofu recipe out there, if you want crispy, golden tofu that's full of flavor and easy to make. This crispy baked tofu creates a golden crust around quick marinated tofu cubes, and it's perfect for dipping or including in any recipe that uses tofu. Delicious.
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4

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces extra firm tofu cubed
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3-6 tablespoons cornstarch see Notes

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large bowl
  • Freezer bag
  • Baking sheet
  • Cooking spray or parchment paper

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
  • Add tofu cubes, tamari, maple syrup, and sesame oil to large bowl. Mix until well combined. Let rest in bowl at least 5 minutes.
  • Drain tofu. Transfer ⅓ of tofu cubes to zippered freezer bag. Add 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch. Toss to coat.
  • Repeat with remaining tofu and cornstarch, adding more cornstarch as needed.
    Coated tofu cubes in a zippered plastic bag next to a baking sheet lined with tofu cubes
  • Spray baking sheet with plenty of cooking spray, or line with parchment paper. Place tofu cubes on baking sheet.
  • Bake 15 minutes at 400°F. Remove from oven and flip each tofu cube over. Return baking sheet to oven and bake another 15 minutes or until golden brown.
    Crispy baked tofu on a baking sheet next to a small bowl of marinade
  • Remove from oven. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Make it Paleo: Substitute arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for cornstarch.
 
Recipe yields approximately four 4-ounce servings, though the actual number of tofu cubes per serving will depend on the size of tofu cubes you cut. Nutritional values shown reflect information for one serving using tamari and 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Macros may vary slightly based on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 4ounces, Calories: 113kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 575mg, Potassium: 205mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 2mg, Net Carbs: 11g

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

 

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

 

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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Cheryl Malik

Meet Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She's been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.

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  1. melrem says

    Posted on 1/1/23 at 5:47 pm

    Excellent recipe. I bake as the recipe states then quickly stir fry them with udon noodles, all tossed in a maple ginger sauce.5 stars

    Reply
    • Molly | 40 Aprons TeamMolly | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 1/3/23 at 9:27 am

      YUM, that sounds great! Thanks so much for the review!

      Reply
  2. sue says

    Posted on 6/30/22 at 1:42 pm

    So Far so good! Just flipped them. Olive oil on the baking tray seems to be just fine, no stickers. 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan | 40 Aprons TeamMegan | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 6/30/22 at 3:32 pm

      I’m anxious to hear how they turned out for you, Sue – I hope you loved them!

      Reply
  3. Laurence H. says

    Posted on 2/2/22 at 2:16 am

    I tried all the methods of baking tofu cubes in order to match the tofu that I used to fry, but this recipe is even tastier and crispier than any fried tofu I’ve ever made and it’s much healthier, too. I’ve substituted nutritional yeast for arrowroot powder and still got great results, just a different flavor.5 stars

    Reply
    • Anna Claire | 40 Aprons TeamAnna Claire | 40 Aprons Team says

      Posted on 2/3/22 at 10:33 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe!5 stars

      Reply

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