Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe is an easy, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy crispy tofu. Marinated in a tangy lemon juice and zest mixture with black pepper and garlic powder, then baked to golden perfection, this dish makes a perfect protein-packed addition to any meal or a tasty snack on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for baking the tofu.
- Drain and Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture; this step is key for achieving a crispy texture.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles based on your preference, noting that smaller pieces will crisp up more effectively.
- Prepare 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 marinade bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the fresh flavors.
- Arrange Tofu on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Bake the tofu in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through baking to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and crispness.
- Check for Crispiness: The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. If it needs more crisping, bake for an extra 5 minutes until desired texture is achieved.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tofu from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential to remove moisture and achieve a crispy exterior when baked.
- Smaller tofu pieces crisp up better but can cook faster, so keep an eye on baking time.
- Marinating for longer than 10 minutes can enhance flavor further, but even a short marinade is effective.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tofu for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
