Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy crispy tofu infused with bright lemon and peppery garlic notes. Perfect for a quick vegan meal, the tofu is marinated and then baked to golden perfection, making it a delightful addition to any 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 cooking temperature for baking the tofu.
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to help the tofu crisp up properly during baking.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles. Smaller pieces will yield crispier results.
- Prepare 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 to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded to promote even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu pieces halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. If it needs more crisping, bake an additional 5 minutes until desired texture is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the tofu from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if using. Let it cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is crucial to remove moisture and achieve crispiness.
- Marinating enhances the flavor but can be extended up to 30 minutes for deeper taste.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
- Turning tofu halfway ensures even browning and crisp texture.
- Adjust black pepper and lemon zest quantities per taste preference.
