How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu
Tofu is great source of protein for vegans (and everyone else). It’s an affordable protein and can be found in different varieties: Soft Tofu / Silken Tofu, Firm Tofu or Extra Firm Tofu. I prefer to use the firm/extra firm for stir fry tofu with vegetables and soft tofu for smoothies, Chinese hot-pot recipes, Asian soups and vegan desserts. This crispy baked tofu recipe is so easy to make and much healthier that any deep-fried tofu recipes. It's so quick to make, the result is also amazing, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
On my lazy days, I often bake tofu with salt and pepper, then use my favorite Asian sweet chile sauce as a dipping sauce. Today I am going to show you how I use baked tofu as the main protein ingredient for my salad, which great for lunch or dinner. This salad also features my favorite Asian Peanut Butter Sauce (Thai Salad Dressing) , also healthy and a good source of protein. Learn how to make crispy baked tofu without a ton of greasy oil and great flavor that the whole family will love! This baked tofu is the perfect addition to your salad or as your quick snack food that high in protein.
📖 Recipe
Crispy Baked Tofu Salad with Thai Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- To make Crispy Baked Tofu:
- 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu
- 1 - 1 ½ teaspoons Salt, or more according to your liking
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black Pepper to taste
- Thai Salad Dressing/ Peanut Butter Dressing
- For Salad :
- Bag of mixed shredded broccoli and carrots, you can find this pre-packed at most stores
- ½ fresh lime, juiced
- leaves Fresh mint
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels
- Weigh the tofu down with the bottom part of a clean frying pan (use paper towel in-between if needed)
- Leave the pan weighing down on tofu for at least 15 minutes, until almost all the liquid is drained from the tofu
- Cut the tofu into pieces (I made small cubes this time)
- Sprinkle tofu with salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 400F
- Arrange the tofu on the baking sheet, lightly spray tofu on all sides with cooking spray. Be sure to leave enough space between tofu cubes and bake for about 7-10 minutes. Flip the tofu and keeping baking until the outside is golden and looks crispy, for about 7-10 more minutes
- Check on the tofu and do not over bake as it will then be chewier and harder.
- To make Salad:
- Arrange the shredded broccoli and carrots in a salad bowl
- Add fresh lime juice
- Add Crispy Baked Tofu
- Add some fresh mint
- Drizzle with homemade Thai Salad Dressing / Peanut Butter Dressing
Alli Smith says
I do like tofu, but I rarely make it at home. I'll have to try your crispy baked tofu and the thai salad dressing. I used to make my own thai dressing and I misplaced the recipe.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My sister in law loves tofu, so I am thinking that she will be a BIG fan of this recipe. Sending it to her now.
jmanandmillerbug says
Unfortunately for me I cannot eat tofu, but I do have a lot of friends that love it, and my nephew who is one years old it's his favorite snack.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Interesting way to serve tofu. I've never had that baked. It was always fried and crispy. I have to try that thai salad dressing too. I think it would also go well in other salads.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I love tofu and I am always looking for new ways to enjoy it. This looks and sounds like a fabulous recipe. I can't wait to try this dish this weekend.
Sarah says
What a delicious idea, this looks scrumptious. I think it sounds easy enough to make this baked tofu thai salad dressing. I will have to try this dish.
Francisca Ramos says
I never tried tofu. I wonder what it taste like. Your tofu thai salad dressing sounds so good. I have to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Pam Wattenbarger says
My daughter likes to eat vegetarian as much as possible. I am sure she would enjoy this.
tiarasandtantrums says
Yum! This looks like the perfect lunch for me to make and pack up for back to school lunches for myself and my daughters.
lisa says
I have never tried tofu, and am hesitant to make my own. This recipe looks and sounds amazing though so I may have to try it!