This baked tofu recipe transforms a simple block of tofu into a flavorful, protein-packed delight that’s perfect for any meal.
High in plant-based protein, fiber-rich, and low in saturated fat, it’s a wholesome choice for everyday cooking.
Quick, easy, and versatile, it pairs beautifully with salads, rice, noodles, or wraps, making it an ideal option for meal prep or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Flavorful Baked Tofu
Equipment
- 1 Air-fryer or Oven
- 1 Baking tray or Oven-safe dish
- Parchment paper
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Container for marinating
Ingredients
Tofu
- 19.5 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
Marinade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce or stir-fry sauce
- ¼ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- Optional: chili sauce for heat
Instructions
- Pressing the Tofu: Begin by draining your tofu thoroughly. Remove the block from its packaging and discard any liquid. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place it on a flat surface and weigh it down with a few heavy objects, such as cutting boards, cans, or a small skillet. Allow the tofu to press for at least 15-20 minutes. Pressing removes excess moisture, ensuring the tofu will absorb the marinade deeply and achieve a firmer, golden-brown texture during baking.
- Preparing the Marinade: While the tofu is pressing, prepare the marinade. In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, vegetarian oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste the marinade and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess according to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, stir in chili sauce or chili oil. This marinade infuses the tofu with rich umami flavor and aromatic spices.
- Scoring the Tofu: Once the tofu is pressed, transfer it to a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make shallow diagonal cuts across the top of the tofu, being careful not to cut all the way through. Repeat the process in the opposite direction to create a criss-cross or diamond pattern. Scoring allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the tofu, enhancing flavor in every bite while maintaining the block’s integrity.
- Marinating the Tofu: Select a container or dish large enough to fit the whole block of tofu comfortably. Line the container with parchment paper if desired; this makes removing the tofu easier after marinating. Place the scored tofu inside the container and pour the marinade evenly over the top, gently using a spoon to push some of the sauce into the scored cuts. Cover the container and refrigerate the tofu for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The longer the tofu marinates, the more intense and well-rounded the flavors become.
- Preparing to Bake: Before baking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a glass or ceramic dish for baking, allow it to come to room temperature first to prevent thermal shock. Line a baking tray with parchment paper if you plan to transfer the tofu out of the marinating dish. Carefully remove the tofu from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid. This reserved marinade can be brushed over the tofu during baking for extra flavor and moisture.
- Baking the Tofu: Place the tofu on the prepared baking tray or leave it in the oven-safe dish. Spoon or brush a portion of the reserved marinade over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Halfway through baking, you may choose to baste the tofu again with the marinade to keep it moist and enhance the caramelization. The tofu is ready when the top appears golden brown, slightly crispy, and caramelized from the sugars in the marinade.
- Air-Frying Option: If using an air-fryer, preheat it to 180°C (350°F).Line the basket with parchment paper or a thin metal tray to prevent liquids from dripping through. Carefully place the marinated tofu in the basket and spoon some reserved marinade over the top. Air-fry for 15-18 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even browning. The tofu should be slightly charred on the edges and firm to the touch. You can adjust the time depending on your air-fryer model and preferred crispiness.
- Serving the Tofu: Once baked or air-fried, allow the tofu to rest for a couple of minutes. Carefully transfer to a serving dish. You may drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor. Serve hot with rice, noodles, salads, or in wraps. This tofu also works beautifully cold in salads or lunchboxes, making it a flexible option for meal prep.
- Tips for Perfect TextureEnsure tofu is pressed well; excess water can prevent proper browning.Don’t skip scoring; it allows marinade to seep in for maximum flavor.Baste during cooking to keep tofu moist and caramelized.Adjust sugar and spices in the marinade according to your taste preferences.
Notes
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture; soft or silken tofu will not hold up during baking.
- Pressing the tofu thoroughly is essential to remove excess water and allow the marinade to penetrate.
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor, though 4-6 hours works in a pinch.
- Scoring the tofu in a criss-cross pattern ensures the marinade seeps into the center.
- Reserve leftover marinade for basting during cooking to enhance moisture and caramelization.
- Baking at 180°C (350°F) gives a golden, slightly crisp exterior without drying out the tofu.
- This recipe works perfectly in an oven or air-fryer, depending on your kitchen setup.
Chef’s Secrets For Flavorful Tofu
The key to elevating this baked tofu lies in three techniques: pressing, scoring, and marinating.
Pressing removes water, giving the tofu a firmer texture that holds flavors better.
Scoring the tofu creates tiny channels for the marinade, ensuring every bite is infused with sweetness, umami, and spice.
Using a combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder provides a layered flavor that is both aromatic and satisfying.
For added depth, baste the tofu halfway through baking or air-frying with the reserved marinade.
A final tip: let the baked tofu rest for a few minutes after cooking—this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the tofu moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions For Every Meal
This baked tofu is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a variety of dishes.
Serve it atop a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a comforting main dish, or chop it into cubes for salads or Buddha bowls.
Wrap it in tortillas or lettuce leaves with fresh vegetables for a satisfying lunch or snack.
For extra flair, drizzle with a spicy chili sauce or a light soy-ginger dressing.
You can enjoy it hot, straight from the oven or air-fryer, or cold in meal-prep containers for a ready-to-eat protein boost.
Storage Tips For Tofu Longevity
Store leftover baked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To maintain its texture, separate it from any excess liquid; you can drizzle a small amount of reserved marinade when reheating.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) or in an air-fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
This tofu also freezes well: wrap individual portions in parchment or foil, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Avoid microwaving for best texture; oven or air-fryer reheating preserves its golden exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use soft or silken tofu instead?
Soft or silken tofu is not recommended for this recipe because it is too delicate to hold its shape during baking.
Firm or extra-firm tofu gives the best texture, allowing the tofu to brown and stay intact while absorbing the marinade.
2. How long should I marinate the tofu?
For optimal flavor, marinate the tofu overnight in the refrigerator. If short on time, a minimum of 4-6 hours will still produce tasty results.
The longer the tofu sits, the deeper the flavors penetrate.
3. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add chili sauce, chili oil, or crushed red pepper to the marinade to suit your spice preference.
You can also brush a little extra sauce on the tofu halfway through baking for a more pronounced heat.
4. Should I bake or air-fry the tofu?
Both methods work beautifully. Baking produces a golden, slightly caramelized exterior and is ideal for larger batches, while air-frying gives a crispier texture with less oil and faster cooking.
Choose based on your preferred texture and equipment availability.
5. Can I prepare this tofu in advance for meal prep?
Yes! This tofu is perfect for meal prep. Marinate and bake or air-fry in advance, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Serve cold in salads or reheat in the oven or air-fryer to retain crispiness.
