Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe is an incredibly easy and flavorful way to enjoy crispy, tangy tofu. With a simple marinade of lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder, then baked to perfection, this dish is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or protein-packed addition to your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 oz firm tofu
Marinade
- 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 (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature throughout the baking process.
- Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tofu.
- Slice Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Smaller pieces will result in crispier tofu.
- 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 into the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb all the fresh flavors.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu halfway through baking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes until you reach the desired crispiness.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the tofu from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential to remove moisture and get a crispy texture.
- Marinating tofu for at least 10 minutes allows flavors to penetrate better.
- Flip the tofu halfway through baking for even crisping on all sides.
- You can serve this tofu with rice, salads, or as a protein-packed snack.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a nice color and fresh flavor but is optional.
