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Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 57 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Smaller pieces will result in crispier tofu.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake Tofu: Bake the tofu in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to brown all sides evenly.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.