Description

This Marinated Tofu recipe delivers flavorful, crispy cubes of vegan protein perfect for a satisfying main course. The tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture, then soaked in a savory marinade featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Baking the tofu with a light cornstarch coating creates a delicious golden crust. Ideal served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is a versatile, gluten-free, and vegan option packed with protein.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu

1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes

Marinade

3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

For Crispiness (Optional)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

Press the Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps it absorb the marinade better and achieve a firmer texture when cooked.
Prepare the Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag to prepare for marination.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup or honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional sriracha or chili garlic sauce to create a balanced and flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes and gently toss to ensure they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat the Oven: For a crispy finish, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the tofu is marinating or when ready to cook.
Coat with Cornstarch: Drain any excess marinade from the tofu. Toss the cubes with cornstarch evenly to help achieve a crispy exterior during baking.
Bake the Tofu: Arrange the tofu cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
Serve: Serve the marinated tofu warm alongside rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

You can also pan-fry or air-fry the marinated tofu instead of baking for different textures.
Customize the marinade flavor by adding lime juice, hoisin sauce, or peanut butter to suit your taste preferences.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Pressing the tofu well is essential for the best texture and flavor absorption.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 8 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 160
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 530mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 0mg