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Best Ever Baked Tofu Recipe

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4.4 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Best Ever Baked Tofu recipe features a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors using a simple 6-ingredient marinade. With a slow bake and repeated basting, the tofu develops a rich, caramelized exterior while remaining tender inside, making it an irresistible side dish that even tofu skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup liquid aminos
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Main Ingredient

  • 14 oz block extra firm tofu, cut into large ½ inch thick squares

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the maple syrup, liquid aminos, water, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl until well combined to create the flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Tofu: Slice the extra firm tofu into ½ inch thick squares and fully submerge them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the tofu to absorb all the savory and sweet flavors deeply.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Arrange Tofu: The next day, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the marinated tofu squares on it, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even baking. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use.
  4. Bake the Tofu Initially: Place the tofu in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to start firming up the texture and begin caramelizing the exterior.
  5. Reduce the Marinade Sauce: While the tofu bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Simmer gently until the marinade reduces by two-thirds, thickening into a syrupy glaze perfect for basting.
  6. Baste, Flip, and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes, remove the tofu from the oven and baste all sides generously with the thickened marinade. Flip the tofu to baste the other side as well. Return the tofu to the oven and bake for an additional hour, basting and flipping every 30 minutes to build layers of rich flavor and caramelization.
  7. Serve: Once the tofu is fully baked, golden, and flavorful, remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious Asian-inspired side dish.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight is essential for the tofu to absorb maximum flavor.
  • Use extra firm tofu as it holds its shape best during baking.
  • Flipping and basting the tofu regularly ensures an evenly caramelized glaze.
  • The reduced marinade doubles as a glaze, adding rich sweetness and umami.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/best-ever-baked-tofu-recipe/