Baked tofu is a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried tofu. This cooking technique creates a crusty exterior with a tender and almost egg-like interior. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, and more. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to bake tofu to perfection.
MAKES: 4 or more servings
TIME: About 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 to 2 pounds firm tofu, frozen, squeezed, or patted dry
- Salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Dry the tofu using paper towels. Blot off excess water to ensure a better texture.
- Sprinkle the tofu with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Place the tofu in a nonstick skillet or baking pan.
- Bake the tofu for about 1 hour, without disturbing it. The tofu is ready when the crust becomes lightly browned and firm.
VARIATIONS:
- Soy-Baked Tofu: For an extra burst of flavor, brush the tofu liberally with soy sauce before baking. You may still want to sprinkle a little salt, but do it lightly.
- Miso-Baked Tofu: Take the flavor up a notch by creating a miso glaze. Thin a couple tablespoons of any miso paste with sake, white wine, vegetable stock, or water until it reaches a brushable consistency. After blotting off water, brush the tofu liberally with this miso mixture.
- Barbecue-, Teriyaki-, or Ponzu-Baked Tofu: While typically used for grilled or broiled tofu, these sauces work well with baked tofu too. After blotting off water, generously brush the tofu with any barbecue sauce, Teriyaki sauce, or Ponzu sauce.
USES:
Baked tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various dishes. Slice or cube the baked tofu and use it in:
- Sandwiches: Add it to your favorite sandwich for a flavorful and protein-packed twist.
- Salads: Toss the tofu with greens and other vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying salad.
- Stir-fries: Add baked tofu to your favorite stir-fry for a delicious and nutritious plant-based protein.
- Wraps: Fill wraps with baked tofu and fresh vegetables for a tasty and portable meal.
Whether you choose to keep it simple with just salt or experiment with flavorful glazes, baked tofu is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Once baked, you can use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious tofu in a variety of dishes, exploring the endless possibilities of this plant-based protein.
