Crispy Baked Tofu With Italian Herbs

It’s an endlessly versatile, plant-based protein boost perfect for polenta, pasta, pizza, wraps, and beyond! Did we mention it’s easy to make with just 10 ingredients and 1 pan required? We can’t wait for you to try it! Let’s get crispy!

Origin of Tofu

It’s believed that tofu originated in China during the Han dynasty (202 BC – 8 AD). Then about 500 years later, it’s thought to have spread to neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It’s now consumed and enjoyed throughout the world. You can take a deeper dive into the history of tofu here.

How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu

Tofu is one of those foods that gets a bad rap for being flavorless and having a strange texture. But when done right, it’s anything but that! And this recipe (plus these) is definitely tofu done right — think crispy, flavor-packed, and effortless to prepare. Here are some of our top tips for flavorful, crispy baked tofu:

Tip #1: Press out the moisture

Remove excess moisture from the tofu using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a kitchen towel and placing something heavy on top (like a cast iron skillet). Less water in the tofu means it can absorb more marinade.

Tip #2: Crumble into bite-sized pieces

We crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces to maximize the surface area, which helps it to crisp up all around.

Tip #3: Use a flavorful sauce

Tofu has a neutral flavor, which means it benefits from a super flavorful sauce. For this recipe, the sauce consists of umami-packed tamari, rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet tomato paste, salt, and Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, and basil).

Tip #4: Bake at a high heat

Baking the tofu at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 Celsius) for 30-35 minutes allows it to get firm with crispy edges. Just make sure to give it a stir after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. We hope you LOVE this crispy baked tofu! It’s:HerbyFlavor-packedFirm with crispy edgesSimpleVersatile& Tastes like pizza! Plus, it’s delicious on pizza! And risotto, polenta, pasta, and so much more. It’s also the star of the show in our Italian Herb Tofu Wraps with Garlicky Hummus Sauce.