How to Bake Marinated Tofu

Transform tofu into a tasty treat by marinating and baking it.

Add pizzazz to your meals with the distinct flavor of baked marinated tofu. The texture of baked tofu, unlike that of unbaked tofu, is denser, chewier and has been likened to chicken. Many times meat eaters won't realize they're consuming tofu, as the consistency can be similar to most meats. Baked, marinated tofu is ideal for adding protein to dishes such as stir-fries and salads.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. firm or extra firm organic tofu
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar or white wine
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, shredded
• 1 tsp. crushed red chili pepper, or to taste
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Shallow 9-by-12-inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Remove tofu from its container and drain it. Stand the tofu upright on a plate or in its original packaging to allow excess water to drain. Empty the container as many times as necessary over an hour and half period. It may take up to three cycles to get all of the liquid out.

2. Mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar or white wine, garlic cloves, ginger and red chili pepper in the baking dish. Blend the marinade together with the flat side of a fork.

3. Slice the drained tofu into half-inch slices. Place the tofu in the prepared marinade, coating both sides before covering the dish in plastic wrap. Marinate at room temperature for three to five hours, turning once.

4. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.

5. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

6. Place the tofu slices on the sheet, keeping them at least a half-inch apart.

7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, turning the tofu halfway through. The tofu should look brown and dry, but should not appear shriveled.

8. Dice or slice the baked tofu and add to stir fry, salads, rice dishes or wherever you might add chicken.

Tips & Warnings

• You can retain the marinade to use in your stir fry or other dishes.

• Use different marinade ingredients to achieve different flavors, such as by including sesame oil or peanut oil, and using lemon juice instead of vinegar.

• Make this recipe gluten free by using wheat-free soy sauce.

References

• The Washington Post: Baked Marinated Tofu