Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare firm tofu with a zesty lemon pepper marinade. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s a healthy and delicious plant-based dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
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 and optimal cooking temperature for baking the tofu.
- Drain and Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving crispiness when baked.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles; smaller pieces yield crispier results.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to make a flavorful lemon pepper marinade.
- Marinate Tofu: Add the tofu pieces to the marinade bowl and gently toss to coat all sides, then let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to allow even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Check Crispiness: Look for golden brown and crispy edges; if needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes to reach the desired crunch.
- Serve: Remove the tofu from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu properly is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Smaller tofu pieces result in more surface area and crispiness.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- Adjust lemon and seasoning quantities according to taste preferences.
- Can be served as a main dish or added to salads, wraps, or bowls.
