Crispy Baked Tofu

5-ingredient crispy baked tofu is pillowy inside with a crisp outer shell – perfect for serving as a versatile plant-based protein for salads, wraps, noodles, and more!

An Easy Recipe for Crispy Baked Tofu

We’ll admit we love tofu in all its forms – marinated like buffalo tofu, blended into pasta sauce, whipped into tofu ricotta, etc. However, for those who aren’t keen on its texture while soft, we highly recommend trying this crispy baked tofu recipe. While not quite as crispy as it is when pan-fried, this method is even less hands-on and allows you to use minimal oil.

In this easy baked tofu recipe, 5 ingredients and about 40 minutes (primarily hands-off) transform a block of tofu into golden-brown, crispy cubes or nuggets with a tender, lightly chewy middle. It’s super simple and highly customizable – a go-to versatile protein for nearly any meal.

You may also like crispy breaded tofu, saucier sweet & sour tofu, or sticky sesame tofu.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

• Tofu: Use super-firm or extra-firm tofu for the best results. We use organic, non-GMO tofu when possible. Use pre-frozen and thawed tofu, if preferred.
• Cornstarch: Just a small amount of starch helps to coat the tofu and create a crispy outer layer. Arrowroot flour or potato starch will work, too.
• Oil: We used olive oil, though avocado oil or another neutral oil should work fine.
• Sea salt & black pepper

Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

Flavor Variations

• Soy sauce: A popular way to add salty, umami flavor to this recipe for baked tofu is to toss the cubes in soy sauce (regular or reduced-sodium – use coconut aminos/tamari if gluten-free) before coating them in cornstarch. Soak it for 10-15 minutes for the best flavor.
• Seasonings: The other easy way to add flavor is to sprinkle the pre-baked tofu with seasonings. A popular combination includes onion and garlic powder and smoked paprika. Other seasonings include Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, cumin, curry powder, nutritional yeast, etc.

How to Make Baked Tofu

First, if you haven’t already, press the tofu for 30 minutes using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a kitchen towel (or between paper towel layers) and placing a heavy item on top, like a skillet and/or several large books.

• Cut the tofu into ¾ to 1-inch cubes (or tear it into baked tofu nuggets).

• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400F/200C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• In a large bowl, combine the tofu, oil, salt, and pepper, and gently toss to combine.

• Add the cornstarch and toss to thoroughly coat it, then spread it across the baking sheet in a single layer with space in between.

Alternatively, place the tofu on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the warm air to circulate the tofu thoroughly for the crispiest results.

• Bake the tofu for 30 minutes, flipping it to a new side every 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Increase the baking time further for even crisper results.

• Finally, toss the tofu with more salt (and any other seasoning you’d like to add), and enjoy! Serve the baked crispy tofu immediately for the best texture.

To save washing, rinse the bowl from step 3 and use it to toss the cubes with salt at the end.

Top Tips For The Crispiest Baked Tofu

• Use super-firm or extra-firm tofu: These contain the least amount of added moisture, so they are best when you want to achieve the crispiest baked tofu.
• Press the tofu: This will help remove any excess liquid to crisp it up even more.
• Don’t skip the starch: This coats the tofu and becomes crispy when baked.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: It needs to be in a single layer, with space in between to allow for the best air circulation and ultimate crispiness.
• Experiment with flavors: With the method sorted, feel free to try other marinades and seasonings for an endlessly versatile, meat-free protein.
• For even crispier tofu: Lightly spray the tofu cubes with oil before baking them/ place them on a lightly oiled tray. The extra fat makes the crispiest outer shell.

FAQs

What to Serve With Baked Tofu Bites?

Crispy oven-baked tofu is a versatile meat-free protein you can enjoy in endless ways.

• With dipping sauce: Enjoy the crispy baked tofu as a snack or appetizer with teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, buffalo sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, vegan mayo, garlic sauce, etc.
• In bowl meals: Like a grain bowl, buddha bowl, poke bowl, etc., as well as in hearty salads.
• With noodles: Like chow mein, teriyaki noodles, pancit bihon, garlic sesame soba, etc.
• With carbs and veggies: Make a complete meal by pairing the baked tofu cubes with rice or fried rice/quinoa/couscous and steamed or roasted vegetables.
• In sandwiches and wraps: In place of meat – like tofu lettuce wraps or collard green wraps.
• Pasta: Use as a protein with any simple pasta dish (like 15-minute cherry tomato pasta and red pesto pasta) or chilled pasta salad/ giant couscous salad.
• Mexican and Tex-Mex: These baked tofu nuggets make for a delicious protein in vegan tacos, burritos, fajitas, burrito bowls, etc.

Storage Instructions

Although crispy baked tofu is best enjoyed immediately, you can allow any leftovers to cool, then store them in a paper-towel-lined airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To bring back crispiness, reheat the tofu in a skillet with a small amount of oil or back in the oven at 375F/190C.

More Easy Tofu Recipes

• Pineapple glazed tofu ham
• Pan-fried garlic tofu
• Tofu Bolognese
• Crispy buffalo tofu
• Easy Thai basil tofu
• Grilled tofu steaks

Or enjoy browsing our entire collection of budget-friendly vegan tofu recipes.