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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Easy Baked Tofu

    Jun 21, 2017 by Kaitlin

    Our favorite easy baked tofu recipe! It's simple to prepare, only 6 ingredients, and has such delicious savory flavor. Perfect for snacking, salads, rice bowls, etc. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

    Cubes of easy baked marinated tofu on a plate with sesame seeds

    This simple marinated baked tofu is so flavorful and versatile!

    Plus it is only 6 ingredients and filled with plant-based protein.

    Since tofu is basically a blank palette, we stir together an easy marinade that brings LOTS of savory flavor.

    Baked tofu on a sheet pan with metal spatula

    Ingredients for Baked Tofu

    For this recipe you will need:

    • Extra-firm tofu: I purchase organic tofu whenever possible.
    • Tamari: Or you can substitute soy sauce, but I use tamari for gluten-free. Be sure to use low sodium if desired. Coconut aminos could also work.
    • Rice vinegar: I use unseasoned vinegar. (Seasoned rice vinegar contains added sugar and salt.)
    • Pure maple syrup: This is a great natural sweetener, and it helps balance the flavors in the marinade.
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder

    Tip: You can also garnish your bowl with sesame seeds and sliced green onion if desired!

    Preparation steps for marinating tofu cubes

    How to Make

    This recipe is simple to prepare in just a few easy steps.

    Drain: First, we will drain and remove excess moisture from the tofu block. Either use a tofu press if you have one, or gently squeeze the tofu between a layer of paper towels.

    Cut: Then we'll slice the tofu in cubes. (I make mine about 3/4-inches each.) You could also try other shapes like triangles or longer strips if desired.

    Make the marinade: Then we'll whisk together the flavorful marinade sauce, and pour it over the tofu.

    Marinate the tofu: Next we'll let the tofu marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors. The longer it marinates, the more sauce it will soak up. (I've let this sit overnight before and the tofu soaks up all of the sauce by then. But 30 minutes is fine too if that's all you have!)

    Bake: Finally, we line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat. Then place tofu and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C).

    Preparation steps for vegan baked tofu

    Serving

    There are so many ways to enjoy this baked tofu. A few ideas include:

    • Tossed in Asian-inspired salads: We love this Asian Kale + Tofu Salad with Peanut Dressing.
    • In rice bowls: Pair it with cooked rice and these saucy Teriyaki Mushrooms.
    • Wraps and sandwiches: For sandwiches, simply slice the tofu in thinner strips instead of cubes.
    • Appetizers and snacks: Snack on them hot of the pan, or with a dipping sauce like this Easy Peanut Sauce. (So good!)
    • Combined with stir-fry veggies for a simple meal

    Texture Notes

    It's neat how tofu takes on a whole new flavor and texture when baked.

    Hot out of the oven, it's golden brown, soft, and tender. Then as it cools, it becomes more dense and firm which holds up well in salads, rice bowls, etc.

    We find this tofu is great warm or chilled!

    Plate of easy baked tofu cubes with sesame seeds

    For more inspiration, also browse all tofu recipes.

    Plate of easy baked tofu cubes with sesame seeds

    Easy Baked Tofu

    Our favorite baked tofu recipe! Simple to prepare, only 6 ingredients, and such delicious savory flavor. Perfect for snacking, salads, rice bowls, etc.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Marinating Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free Option, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 3

    Ingredients

    • 15 oz. extra-firm tofu
    • 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce)
    • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
    • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. onion powder

    Garnish (optional):

    • Sesame seeds, sliced green onion, etc.

    Instructions

    • Drain tofu and lightly press between towels to remove excess moisture (or use a tofu press if you have one).
    • Cut tofu in about 3/4″ cubes (or other desired shape). Place in a shallow container where they will marinate. I use an 8" x 8" glass baking dish.
    • In a small bowl, make the marinade: combine tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir/whisk to combine.
    • Pour marinade over tofu and gently toss to thoroughly coat.
    • Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes.*
    • When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat. Place tofu on pan in a single, separated layer. (If you have leftover marinade, spoon it over the top of the tofu cubes to maximize the flavor.)
    • Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown, tossing halfway through.
    • Serve immediately, or keep refrigerated for about 4-5 days.

    Notes

    *Marinating: The longer the tofu marinates, the more flavor it soaks up. I find 30 minutes works great, but feel free to marinate longer or overnight. It can be a great dish to prepare in the morning for later in the day. I've also prepared this without the 30-minute marinating step and it works fine (just slightly less flavorful).
    Texture: The tofu cubes are very soft right after baking, but firm up as they cool.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Baked Tofu
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    111
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    3
    g
    5
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Potassium
     
    284
    mg
    8
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    9
    g
    3
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    6
    g
    7
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    57
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    For more tofu recipe inspiration, also check out:

    • Tofu Scramble with Spinach & Tomato
    • Teriyaki Baked Tofu
    • Southwest Tofu Burrito
    • Asian Style Garlic Tofu

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Side Dish Recipes

    • Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus
    • Vegan Cashew Queso
    • Smoky Roasted Chickpeas (Oil-Free!)
    • Teriyaki Mushrooms with Snow Peas

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Paula M

      January 28, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      This was only my 2nd time making tofu cubes and it came out great. So easy to do it this way and real tasty. The first time I tried a different recipe and searing them in oil in a pan and it was a disaster. I try not to use any oil or very little, and don’t use non-stick pans. I will make it this way all the time. I’m adding it to Pho so also added a little chili paste to the marinade. Thank you for sharing your wonderful culinary creations.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        January 28, 2023 at 4:24 pm

        Hello again, Paula! Oh I'm so glad this method worked out for you! Adding it to Pho sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback. Wishing you a lovely rest of the weekend!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer

      April 18, 2022 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight for dinner. So tasty and (just as important) so simple! I didn't have rice vinegar so used apple cider vinegar. I was planning on serving the tofu with zoodles but time got away from me so I just ate them by themselves.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        April 19, 2022 at 8:47 am

        Awesome to hear, Jennifer! Glad the ACV substitute worked out for you - great call. Thanks for sharing your kind and helpful feedback!

        Reply
    3. Kelsey

      July 06, 2021 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      This was great! I added honey instead of maple syrup. Will make again.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        July 06, 2021 at 12:09 pm

        Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    4. sue

      June 22, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Baked tofu also freezes well!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        August 18, 2017 at 7:34 pm

        Great to know! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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