Baked Tofu Bites
Crispy, flavorful, and protein-rich, these baked tofu bites are seasoned with paprika, garlic, and lemon, then finished with a touch of vegan butter and olive oil. They’re a quick, satisfying dish that works as a snack, side, or main course.
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 9x11-inch baking dish
- 1 Mixing Spoon
- Measuring spoons (tablespoon, teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon, pinch)
Ingredients
- 1 block 16 ounces / 454 g super-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 pinch black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ medium lemon juice only
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Allowing your oven to come to full temperature before baking ensures the tofu cooks evenly and develops that perfectly crisp outer texture while staying tender inside. While the oven is heating, prepare your workspace with all ingredients and equipment nearby.
- Prepare and Slice the Tofu Block: Take the block of super-firm tofu out of its package and gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture. A drier tofu surface allows the seasonings to stick better and helps the edges crisp while baking. Slice the tofu into three long slabs, each the same length and width as the block, but thinner.
- Break into Bite-Sized Chunks: Instead of cutting into uniform cubes, gently tear the tofu slabs into rustic, bite-sized pieces using your hands. This technique creates uneven edges and natural crevices, which catch the seasonings and crisp up beautifully in the oven. Aim for pieces that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate, but don’t worry about perfect shapes—the irregularity adds texture and charm.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place all the tofu pieces into a 9x11-inch baking dish. Spread them out so they are in a single layer, giving enough room for hot air to circulate around each piece. This spacing helps prevent soggy spots and encourages golden, crispy edges.
- Season and Coat Evenly: Sprinkle the tofu with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, poultry seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Use your clean hands to toss the tofu gently, making sure every piece is evenly coated in the dry mixture. The cornstarch acts as a light coating that enhances crunch, while the seasonings infuse each bite with savory depth and aroma.
- Add Fresh Lemon and Vegan Butter: Once the tofu is seasoned, drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice evenly across the top. This touch of acidity brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter. Next, scatter the small cubes of vegan butter throughout the dish, placing them over and around the tofu. As the butter melts during baking, it soaks into the tofu and creates a decadent, flavorful base.
- Bake Until Lightly Golden: Transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C). During this time, the tofu will begin to firm up, the seasonings will set, and the edges will start to take on a golden hue. Resist the urge to stir too soon—letting the tofu bake undisturbed at this stage helps it develop a delicate crust.
- Drizzle Olive Oil and Toss: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tofu pieces. Using a spoon, gently toss the tofu to coat them with the melted butter and oil. If any pieces stick slightly to the bottom, don’t force them—let them rest for a moment, and they will loosen naturally as the fats seep underneath.
- Increase Heat for Extra Crispiness: Turn the oven temperature up to 450°F (232°C) and return the baking dish. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tofu is deeply golden and crispy around the edges. This second round of high-heat roasting is what gives the bites their irresistible crunch while keeping the inside soft and satisfying.
- Season Before Serving: Once baking is complete, take the dish out of the oven. Taste a piece, then sprinkle over a little extra salt and black pepper to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Serve the tofu hot for the best texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of smoky, zesty, and buttery flavors.
Notes
- Use super-firm tofu for the best texture—it holds its shape and crisps up beautifully without pressing.
- Tearing tofu by hand instead of cutting creates rough edges that bake into extra crunch.
- Cornstarch is the key ingredient that gives the tofu its light, crispy coating.
- Fresh lemon juice balances the buttery richness with brightness and tang.
- Baking at two temperatures (first lower, then higher) ensures the bites are both tender inside and golden outside.
- A drizzle of olive oil toward the end adds richness without making the tofu greasy.
