Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful tofu with bright lemon zest and peppery notes. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a healthy plant-based option that’s quick to prepare and makes for a great main or side dish.
Ingredients
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 for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature throughout the baking process.
- Prepare Tofu: Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to helping the tofu become crispy when baked.
- Cut Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles. Smaller pieces will get crispier, so choose your preferred size accordingly.
- Make 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 the tofu pieces to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the fresh, zesty flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer. Make sure they are spaced out evenly to help them crisp up properly.
- Bake Tofu: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu pieces halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. If you want it crispier, bake for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Allow the tofu to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pressing tofu thoroughly is essential for maximum crispiness.
- You can adjust the amount of black pepper depending on your spice preference.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best lemon flavor.
- The tofu can also be served cold or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crispiness, turn on the oven’s convection setting if available.