Crispy Baked Tofu is a fantastic way to enjoy tofu with a satisfying crunch without the fuss of frying. The outside gets perfectly crisp and golden, while the inside stays tender and flavorful. Simple seasonings and a little bit of oil help turn plain tofu into a snack or meal star.
I love making this crispy tofu because it’s so easy and so versatile. You can toss it in your favorite sauces, add it to salads, or pile it onto rice bowls. One tip I swear by is pressing the tofu well to get rid of extra moisture—that’s the secret to getting it super crispy every time!
Whenever I serve crispy baked tofu, it’s usually met with surprised smiles because people don’t expect tofu to have such a great texture. I often enjoy it with a drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes. It’s a simple dish, but somehow it feels special enough for busy weeknights or weekend favorites alike.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Extra-firm tofu: This is the best type for baking because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. If you can’t find extra-firm, use firm tofu, but press it well to remove moisture.
Soy sauce or tamari: Adds saltiness and depth. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Cornstarch: This helps create that crispy outer crust. Arrowroot starch or potato starch work well too if you don’t have cornstarch.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the tofu. If you don’t have it, any neutral oil like olive or vegetable oil can work, but sesame oil adds a boost of flavor.
How Do You Make Tofu Crispy Without Frying?
The key to crispy baked tofu is removing as much water as possible and coating it well before baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes using a towel and weight to squeeze out moisture. Less water means better crisping.
- Cut tofu into even cubes so they cook uniformly.
- Toss tofu in oil and seasonings to add flavor and help the crust form.
- Coat tofu lightly in cornstarch to get a crispy shell when baked.
- Arrange the tofu with space between pieces on a baking sheet for air circulation.
- Flip tofu halfway through baking to crisp all sides evenly.
Follow these steps and you’ll get tofu that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for dipping or adding to your favorite dishes!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use it for baking the tofu evenly and it’s easy to clean afterward.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Heavy object or tofu press – presses out excess water so the tofu gets crispy.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing the tofu with seasonings and coatings.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the tofu into even cubes.
- Small bowl – for mixing dipping sauce ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Marinate in sriracha or hoisin sauce before baking for a spicy or sweet flavor.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and nutritional yeast for extra savory notes.
- Add a pinch of curry powder or cumin for an aromatic twist.
- Finish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh touch.
Crispy Baked Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or chili oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep, including pressing the tofu, plus 25-30 minutes for baking. Total hands-on time is pretty quick, and then you just pop it in the oven while you get other things ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Tofu and Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to keep the tofu from sticking. Next, drain the tofu and press it to remove extra moisture—wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, place a heavy object on top, and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Cut and Season the Tofu:
After pressing, cut your tofu into even 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, gently toss the cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Add the Crispy Coating:
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again to make sure each piece gets a light coating. This step is key to getting that crispy, golden crust when it bakes!
4. Bake the Tofu:
Spread the tofu cubes out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the pieces aren’t touching each other. Bake them for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they’re golden brown and delightfully crispy on all sides.
5. Prepare the Optional Dipping Sauce (If Using):
While the tofu bakes, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes or chili oil in a small bowl to create a tasty dipping sauce.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the tofu from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions. Serve warm with your dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crispy baked tofu as a snack, salad topper, or main protein!
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen tofu works great because its texture becomes firmer and chewier after freezing. Just thaw it completely, press out any extra water, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Crispy Tofu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes rather than microwaving.
Can I Skip the Cornstarch?
You can, but the tofu won’t be as crispy without it. If you don’t have cornstarch, try arrowroot or potato starch as a substitute for a similar crispy texture.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Baked Tofu?
This tofu is super versatile! Serve it over rice or noodles, toss it in salads or wraps, or enjoy it as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.