Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to enjoy crispy tofu with a zesty lemon and black pepper marinade. Perfect as a snack or a protein-packed addition to your meals, the tofu is marinated, baked until golden and crispy, and garnished with fresh parsley for an extra pop of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 oz firm tofu
Marinade
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the tofu evenly.
- Press the tofu: Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
- Slice the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, keeping in mind that smaller pieces will crisp up better.
- Prepare the 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 the tofu: Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and gently toss to coat evenly. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes so it can absorb the fresh, zesty flavors.
- Arrange for baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even crisping during baking.
- Bake the tofu: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to cook it evenly on all sides.
- Check for crispiness: The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If it hasn’t reached your desired crispiness, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- 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 adequately is key for a crispy texture; consider using a tofu press for best results.
- Marinating tofu for longer than 10 minutes can enhance the flavors further.
- You can serve this tofu with a side of steamed vegetables or toss it into salads and grain bowls.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
