EASY LEMON AND HERBS BAKED TOFU
This lemon and herbs baked tofu features an irresistible blend of zesty lemon, vibrant herbs, and tasty marinated tofu, all baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu (14 oz or 397 grams package, organic if possible)
- 1 lemon (Zest and juice of 1 large lemon)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce if you don’t need GF)
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
- Salt and pepper to taste optional
Instructions
- Prep the Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. This will allow it to absorb the marinade better.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, tamari, maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Marinate the Tofu: Cut the tofu into into equal-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour over the marinade. Ensure all sides of the tofu are well coated. Sprinkle the tofu cubes with cornstarch or arrowroot starch, ensuring all sides are lightly covered and well mixed to avoid any white spots. The marinade should help the starch stick to the tofu. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though the longer, the better (up to 24 hours).
- Bake the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated and starch-dusted tofu cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cube for even baking. Add salt and pepper to taste (optional). Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each cube and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked tofu from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Press Your Tofu Well. Pressing your tofu removes extra water, allowing it to absorb the marinade better. If you don't have a tofu press, wrap your tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Press for about 15-20 minutes for the best result.
- Marinate for Enough Time. Marinating is a crucial step in this recipe, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors of the lemon, garlic, and herbs. Let your tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, leave it for a few hours or even overnight.
- Flip the Tofu Halfway Through. Flip the tofu cubes halfway through baking for a nice, crispy exterior. This step will allow all sides of the tofu to become golden brown and crunchy.
- Use Fresh Lemons for Zest and Juice. Fresh lemons give the most flavorful zest and juice. It will work if you only have bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide a brighter, more robust flavor.
- Adjust to Taste. While the recipe provides specific measurements, adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a more lemony flavor, add more zest. If you like it spicy, add a dash of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Once your Lemon and Herbs Baked Tofu is prepared, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, ideal for meal prepping. Make sure the tofu has cooled completely before storing it to prevent condensation from building up in the container, which could make the tofu soggy.
- The total time in the recipe doesn't include the marinating time since it depends o how much you leave it marinating.