Simple Baked Tofu

I have been making baked tofu for many years, but a few weeks ago I stumbled upon what feels like an easier technique. It also allows me to bake the tofu while at the same time roasting vegetables on the same baking sheet.

My favorite recipes are actually those ones that are so simply they really count as a cooking technique more than anything. You won’t need to pull up the recipe after making this after the first time. So you can add this tofu to your tried and true staples. If you like it.

Tofu baked in this way doesn’t need to be marinated or pressed or anything. I hope you find it as simple and easy as I do.

This is super to add to your weekly prep and have on hand to add to dishes and component bowls throughout the week. Plus children love it!

I use Hummingbird brand nutritional yeast. Feel free to leave it out if desired. I have also been using more spice blends in my cooking to simplify meal preparation. Simply Organic Chili Powder is a favorite of mine because it is really mild and has a nice depth of flavor. I also sometimes use Frontier Organics Berebere blend. It’s a bit spicy, so just take note. And completely delicious. Sometimes I add a bit of sweet smoked paprika as well.

I am writing this on the spot, so no exact measurements. But that’s also the beauty of a super quick recipe!

Simple Baked Tofu

1 block firm organic tofu
Tamari
Spice blend like chili powder or berebere (experiment!) curry is nice, too
Nutritional yeast (I really like Hummingbird brand and use it exclusively. If you can find it.)

1. Oven to 350° or 400° F. This depends on whether I am roasting vegetables at the same time on the same tray. Line a baking tray with parchment or a silicone baking sheet. I think the tray needs to have something covering it for this to work. Unless you have a nonstick tray. That might be okay.

2. Slice the tofu lengthwise through the middle to get two nice slabs. Lay them on a plate. No need to press any liquid off of it. Sprinkle a moderate amount of tamari, maybe 1/2 tsp per slab, on to the tofu. If your seasoning already has salt, feel free to use less tamari. Next, sprinkle the tofu with your seasoning. A moderate amount, but enough that it’s covered. And then the same with the nutritional yeast. You can be a little more liberal.

3. Lay the slabs seasoning side down on the baking tray. Then repeat this process with the other side. Then, keeping the slabs intact, cut the tofu into squares. Don’t separate them before putting them in the oven, otherwise you will lose a lot of the seasoning that’s on the bottom.

4. Place in oven and bake for about 15 minutes. This can be a little longer if the oven is at 350°. At this point, you can use a little spatula to gently separate the cubes of tofu. Then put it back in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove again and separate the tofu further so each square has a chance to get fully cook and maybe even a bit crispy.

5. Remove from the oven as soon as they are at your desired texture.

Take care to not over bake, especially if the temperature is at 400° F. I did this once and they got too dried out and chewy. Not what I was looking for.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Baked Tofu

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Ingredients

  

• 1 block firm organic tofu
• Tamari
• Spice blend like chili powder or berebere experiment! curry is nice, too
• Nutritional yeast I really like Hummingbird brand and use it exclusively. If you can find it.

Instructions

 

• Oven to 350° or 400° F. This depends on whether I am roasting vegetables at the same time on the same tray. Line a baking tray with parchment or a silicone baking sheet. I think the tray needs to have something covering it for this to work. Unless you have a nonstick tray. That might be okay.
• Slice the tofu lengthwise through the middle to get two nice slabs. Lay them on a plate. No need to press any liquid off of it. Sprinkle a moderate amount of tamari, maybe 1/2 tsp per slab, on to the tofu. If your seasoning already has salt, feel free to use less tamari. Next, sprinkle the tofu with your seasoning. A moderate amount, but enough that it's covered. And then the same with the nutritional yeast. You can be a little more liberal.
• Lay the slabs seasonings side down on the baking tray. Then repeat this process with the other side. Then keeping the slabs intact, cut the tofu into squares. Don't separate them before putting them in the oven, otherwise you will lose a lot of the seasoning that's on it.
• Place in oven and bake for about 15 minutes. At this point, you can use a little spatula to gently separate the cubes of tofu. Then put it back in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove again and separate the tofu further so each square has a chance to get fully cook and maybe even a bit crispy.
• Remove from the oven as soon as they are at your desired texture.

Notes

Take care to not over bake, especially if the temperature is at 400° F. I did this once and they got too dried out and chewy. Not what I was looking for.