Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to enjoy crispy tofu with a fresh lemony zing. Perfectly marinated with lemon zest, juice, black pepper, and garlic powder, then oven-baked to golden perfection, it makes a healthy and delicious plant-based dish ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Tofu and Marinade
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready, which helps the tofu cook evenly and become crispy.
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and place it between paper towels to press out excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture on the tofu.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Smaller pieces will result in crispier tofu.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until well blended.
- Marinate Tofu: Gently toss the tofu pieces in the marinade until they are well coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for about 10 minutes so it absorbs the lemony and peppery flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them to promote even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Bake the tofu in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to brown all sides evenly.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. If it needs more crisping, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the tofu from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top if using, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is crucial for crispy results; consider using a tofu press or pressing under a heavy object for 20-30 minutes for best results.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade.
- The baked tofu is great served over salads, rice bowls, or as a protein-packed snack.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.