Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy flavorful, crispy tofu. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, then perfectly baked to golden crispness, it’s an easy vegan-friendly dish ideal as a snack, salad topping, or main protein source.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 oz firm tofu
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for perfectly baked tofu.
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pressing is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles. Smaller pieces will become crispier once baked.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Tofu: Add tofu pieces to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the fresh flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu in a single layer, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded for even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping tofu halfway to cook evenly and develop a golden brown, crispy exterior.
- Check Crispiness: If you desire extra crispiness, bake for an additional 5 minutes until edges are perfectly crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the tofu for longer, up to 30 minutes.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Flip the tofu halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- This recipe is vegan and can be served as a snack, or added to salads and grain bowls for protein.
