Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe offers a deliciously easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful tofu with a zesty lemon pepper marinade. Perfect as a protein-packed addition to any meal, it’s baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and 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.
- Prepare Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu is key to achieving crispy tofu.
- Slice Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll get.
- Make 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 so it can absorb all those fresh flavors.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through for even cooking.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes until you get the desired crispiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tofu from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu before marinating is essential for getting a crispy texture.
- You can adjust the amount of black pepper and garlic powder to taste.
- Serve this tofu as a protein-packed snack, in salads, or with your favorite grain.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
