Description
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful tofu infused with fresh lemon zest and pepper. Perfect as a protein-packed addition to any meal, this easy recipe requires minimal prep and bakes the tofu to golden perfection for a delightful texture and taste.
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 for the tofu.
- Drain and Press Tofu: Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is key for achieving crispy texture.
- Slice Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles; smaller pieces will get crispier.
- 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 to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even crisping.
- Bake Tofu: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
- Check Crispiness: The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes to reach desired crispiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove tofu from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well is essential to remove excess moisture for crispiness.
- Cutting tofu into smaller pieces increases the surface area for a crispier texture.
- If a sharper lemon flavor is preferred, add extra lemon juice to the marinade.
- The tofu can be served as a main dish or added to salads, bowls, or wraps.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
