Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe offers a simple, delicious way to enjoy crispy and flavorful tofu with a zesty lemon pepper marinade. Perfect as a vegan main or protein-packed side, the tofu is marinated and baked to golden perfection, delivering a bright and savory dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu 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 and optimal crisping of the tofu.
- Prepare Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible, which is key to achieving crispy tofu when baked.
- Slice Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles depending on your preference. Smaller pieces will result in crispier tofu.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to create a vibrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Tofu: Add tofu pieces to the marinade and gently toss to coat them evenly. Allow the tofu to marinate for about 10 minutes so it absorbs the fresh lemon pepper flavors.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded to allow for even baking.
- Bake Tofu: Place the tofu in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu halfway through cooking to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Check Crispiness: If the tofu isn’t as crispy as desired after 30 minutes, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until you achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the bright, tangy, and crunchy tofu as a delicious snack or part of your meal.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess water for a crispier texture.
- To make the tofu extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper and garlic powder to taste for a more or less intense flavor.
- This dish is vegan, naturally gluten-free, and can be served with rice, salads, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Leftover tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
