TOFU. You either hate it or you love it.
I fall on the love it side, so for all of you tofu lovers out there, here are my three favorite ways to bake tofu (baked tofu is my favorite way to enjoy it!)
And if you fall on the other side, try tofu one last time with these three ways!
By baking tofu, it thickens and crisps up, so it’s not so, ehm, squishy? I don’t mind the squishiness in a soup (like a good miso soup with tofu) or if it’s used in a scramble or a vegan lasagna.
The problem with tofu is that it can be too squishy and limp. These words are horrible and I’m laughing writing this post, but it’s the honest truth! And to ensure good flavor and good consistency, the best way to prepare tofu is to bake it. In my humble opinion.
And once you make tofu this way, you can add it to stir fries, salads, pastas, sandwiches, and more.
The key to perfectly roasted tofu is removing as much moisture as possible from the tofu before you slice it and bake it. To do this, use a thin kitchen towel and wrap the tofu up. Using your hands, press down slowly and firmly, careful not to squish the tofu. I always use Extra Firm Tofu (and Nasoya is my favorite brand!) I will sometimes use multiple kitchen towels to get all of the moisture out!
Once the moisture is out, cut it or slice it per the recipe you’re following or meal you’re making.
Recipe: Soy Roasted Tofu
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Put as much sliced or cubed tofu as you want to use in a bowl. Drizzle over with soy sauce, so that all the tofu pieces are coated and there’s a teaspoon or so in the bottom of the bowl. Using your fingers (or a spoon), stir to coat well. Lay the tofu out on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until firm to your preference, flipping the tofu halfway through.
Recipe: Sesame Crusted Tofu
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Put as much sliced or cubed tofu as you want to use in a bowl. Drizzle over lightly with sesame oil, so that all the tofu pieces are coated. Using your fingers (or a spoon), stir to coat well. Lay the tofu out on the baking sheet and simply dust with sesame seeds. You can use white or black or a combination. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until firm to your preference, flipping the tofu halfway through.
Recipe: Balsamic Tofu
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Put as much sliced or cubed tofu as you want to use in a bowl. Drizzle over with balsamic vinegar, so that all the tofu pieces are coated and there’s a teaspoon or so in the bottom of the bowl. Using your fingers (or a spoon), stir to coat well. Lay the tofu out on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until firm to your preference, flipping the tofu halfway through.
And that’s it! My three favorite ways to bake tofu.
Tell me – what’s your favorite way to enjoy tofu?
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