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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly pressed and drained - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Sesame seeds, for garnish - Chopped green onions, for garnish The main players in this recipe are the firm tofu and the flavorful sauce. Firm tofu holds its shape well and absorbs flavors nicely. The soy sauce adds a savory touch, while the maple syrup gives a hint of sweetness. Rice vinegar brightens the flavor, and sesame oil adds a lovely nutty note. For the extra crunch, cornstarch is key. It coats the tofu perfectly, helping it crisp up in the oven. Olive oil is crucial too, as it helps achieve that golden brown finish. The garlic and ginger give the dish a fresh kick, making each bite exciting. Don't forget the garnishes! Sesame seeds and green onions add a pop of color and texture. These small touches elevate the dish and make it look beautiful on your plate. 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispiness. 2. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with cleanup. 3. Carefully cut your pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Make sure each piece is even. 1. In a medium bowl, mix together your marinade. Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth. 2. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to coat them well. 3. Cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate for 20-30 minutes. This helps the tofu soak up the flavors. 1. In a shallow dish, spread the cornstarch evenly. This will make your tofu crispy. 2. Remove the tofu from the marinade, letting any extra drip off. Toss each cube in the cornstarch until fully coated. 3. Place the coated tofu on the baking sheet, giving them space to cook evenly. 4. Drizzle olive oil over the tofu. This will help it crisp up nicely. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through. Look for a golden brown color. 6. After baking, drizzle any leftover marinade over the tofu. Toss gently to enhance the flavor. 7. Finally, garnish your dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish. To get that perfect crispy texture, cornstarch is essential. It forms a nice coating that fries up golden and crunchy. Without cornstarch, your tofu may turn out soft or chewy. Make sure to coat each piece evenly. Next, drizzle olive oil over the tofu. This helps it crisp up nicely in the oven. The oil adds flavor too, making every bite delicious. Using homemade teriyaki sauce can elevate your dish. Store-bought sauces may lack depth, so try making your own. A blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil creates a rich flavor. Also, allow enough time for marination. Letting the tofu soak for 20-30 minutes helps it absorb all the tasty sauce. This step is key for a flavorful meal. Crispy baked teriyaki tofu pairs well with rice or quinoa. Both grains soak up the sauce and balance the dish. Add some sautéed vegetables on the side for a colorful plate. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Enjoy your meal with chopsticks for a fun twist! {{image_4}} You can switch up the tofu texture for your Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu. Firm tofu works great for a crispy bite. If you want a softer feel, try silken tofu. Remember, silken tofu may not hold shape as well. For extra crunch, extra-firm tofu is the best choice. If you need a soy sauce alternative, tamari is a good pick. It has a similar taste and is often gluten-free. Coconut aminos also work well and add a sweeter flavor. Both keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes for heat. This simple change gives your tofu a nice kick. Five-spice powder offers a warm, aromatic twist. Just a pinch can elevate the dish and impress your guests. You can also add veggies to your baked tofu. Bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots add color and nutrition. Toss them with the marinade for a burst of flavor. These extra ingredients make the meal more filling and vibrant. To make this dish gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This small swap keeps the flavors intact while catering to dietary needs. For a vegan-friendly option, this recipe is already perfect. All the ingredients are plant-based. Just be sure to double-check that your maple syrup is 100% pure. Enjoy this dish knowing it fits into your vegan lifestyle! To store leftovers, let the tofu cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat, use an oven or an air fryer. This keeps the tofu crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the tofu soggy. For freezing baked tofu, ensure it’s fully cooled. Cut it into smaller pieces if needed. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Baked tofu can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and firm. In the fridge, expect your tofu to last about 3 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for 3 months. Watch for signs of spoilage like off smells or a change in texture. If it looks slimy or discolored, it’s best to discard it. To get your tofu extra crispy, start by using firm tofu. Press it well to remove water. This step helps the tofu soak up flavors and get crispier. After pressing, cut it into cubes. Next, coat the tofu in cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a crunchy layer when baked. Make sure each piece has an even coat. Drizzle olive oil over the coated tofu before baking. This oil helps achieve that golden brown color. Bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip the cubes halfway through to ensure even cooking. When the tofu turns golden brown, it will be crispy and delicious. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Start by pressing and cutting the tofu. Marinate the tofu in the sauce for 20-30 minutes. If you want to save time later, you can marinate it overnight in the fridge. After marinating, coat the tofu in cornstarch. You can store the coated tofu in the fridge for a few hours. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for the best texture. Baking it right before serving ensures the tofu stays crispy. This dish is great for meal prep! After baking the tofu, let it cool down. Store the crispy tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to four days. To reheat, place the tofu in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This method brings back the crispiness. Pair the tofu with steamed rice or quinoa and sautéed veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy a tasty and healthy lunch or dinner all week! In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious baked tofu using simple ingredients like firm tofu, soy sauce, and maple syrup. We explored marinating techniques and baking steps to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Remember to play with flavors and try different ingredients for variety. Store your leftovers properly and enjoy them later. The key is to have fun while cooking. Baked tofu is tasty, versatile, and great for any meal. Enjoy the journey and your tasty dish!

Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu

Discover the ultimate Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu recipe that's bursting with flavor and easy to make! This mouthwatering dish features marinated tofu baked to perfection, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. Ideal for a wholesome dinner or a tasty meal prep option, it's packed with savory goodness. Ready to elevate your plant-based cooking? Click through to explore this delicious recipe and satisfy your cravings tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly pressed and drained

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

    Carefully cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and set them aside on a clean cutting board or plate.

      In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth and well-blended marinade.

        Gently add the cubed tofu to the marinade, using a spatula or your hands to toss the cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

          Once marinated, remove the tofu from the bowl and allow any excess marinade to drip off into the bowl.

            In a shallow dish, evenly spread the cornstarch. Take each tofu cube and toss it in the cornstarch, ensuring every side is coated. This step is crucial for achieving a deliciously crispy texture.

              Arrange the coated tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly to prevent them from sticking together and to promote even cooking.

                Drizzle olive oil over the tofu cubes, which will help them become perfectly crisp during the baking process.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through the cooking time to ensure it browns evenly, until the cubes are a beautiful golden brown and crispy on the outside.

                    After baking, drizzle any reserved marinade over the crispy tofu, tossing gently to enhance the flavor.

                      For a lovely finishing touch, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a scattering of chopped green onions before serving.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                          - Serving Suggestions: Serve the crispy teriyaki tofu over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, accompanied by sautéed vegetables for a vibrant and wholesome meal. Enjoy with chopsticks for an authentic experience!