Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu is a simple and delicious plant-based recipe featuring crispy tofu cubes infused with fresh lemon flavors and black pepper seasoning. Perfect as a protein-packed snack or addition to any meal, it’s easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
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 (Optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for perfectly crispy tofu.
- Prepare Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu is key to achieving crispy tofu.
- Cut Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Smaller pieces will result in crispier tofu.
- Make 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 into the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes so it can absorb all those fresh flavors.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through for even cooking.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes until you get the desired crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the tofu from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts according to your taste preference for more or less tanginess.
- Feel free to add other spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Serve as a protein side dish, salad topping, or add to grain bowls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
