Baked Tofu Bites

Ingredients

• 16 oz super-firm tofu (1 block; no pressing needed when using super-firm tofu)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (Used for a crispy outer coating)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried parsley leaves
• black pepper (Pinch, plus extra for serving)
• 0.25 tsp poultry seasoning (The seasoning blend contains no poultry)
• 0.25 tsp salt (Plus extra for serving)
• 0.5 lemon lemon juice (Juice only)
• 2 tbsp vegan butter (Cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. 2

   Cut the tofu slab into thirds lengthwise, creating three thinner slabs that retain the original block's length and width. Break the slabs into bite-size pieces using your hands.

3. 3

   Place the tofu pieces in a 9-by-11-inch baking dish.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the cornstarch and all of the seasonings—garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and salt—over the tofu. Toss with clean hands until the pieces are coated.

5. 5

   Arrange the tofu pieces flat in the baking dish.

6. 6

   Cover the tofu with the lemon juice, then top it with the small pieces of cubed vegan butter.

7. 7

   Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove the baking dish from the oven and drizzle the olive oil over the tofu. Carefully toss the pieces with a spoon. If the tofu is stuck, do not force it; let it sit for a minute so it can loosen on its own.

9. 9

   Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C), then bake the tofu for another 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Sprinkle with extra salt and black pepper before serving.

Notes

Super-firm tofu does not need to be pressed. If using extra-firm tofu instead, press it first to remove excess water. Frozen tofu may also be used, though it is not necessary. The tofu can be reheated on the stove, in the oven, or in an air fryer. The author notes that a little chili powder can be added to the seasoning mixture and that baking 5–10 minutes longer produces an extra-crispy result.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegan
• vegetarian
• dairy-free
• gluten-free
• baked
• weeknight dinner
• holiday