Marinated Baked Tofu

Transform your tofu game with this irresistibly flavorful Marinated Baked Tofu recipe! Featuring firm tofu infused with a savory-sweet marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish delivers a perfect balance of umami and spice. Baked to golden perfection in just 25 minutes, the tofu develops a crisp exterior and tender interior that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served over a vibrant salad, tossed into a stir-fry, or used to elevate your favorite grain bowl, this easy-to-make, protein-packed dish is a must-have for plant-based meal prep. Plus, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free (with tamari substitution), making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp cooking spray or vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess water. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then placing a heavy object (like a skillet or a few books) on top. Leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with vegetable oil.

Step 3

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or slices, depending on your preference.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and smoked paprika until well combined.

Step 5

Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to ensure all pieces are fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. For more intense flavor, you can marinate for up to 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 6

Arrange the marinated tofu pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through to ensure even browning. The edges should be crisp and lightly caramelized when done.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let the tofu cool slightly before serving. Use as a topping for salads, grain bowls, stir-fries, or as a delicious plant-based protein side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	496.6 grams (496.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	571

Total Fat 36.00g	46%
Saturated Fat 4.40g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1801mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate 28.20g	10%
Dietary Fiber 5.60g	20%
Total Sugars 18.40g
Protein 47.00g	94%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 635mg	49%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 787mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.9%

Protein: 30.1%

Carbs: 18.1%