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Home » Recipes » Dinner » Sides » Crispy Baked Tofu Bites

Crispy Baked Tofu Bites

Published: Apr 5, 2019 · Last Modified: September 7, 2019 by Dani

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Crispy baked tofu is a delicious source of plant-based protein that is super easy to make!  It’s crispy on the outside, tender and creamy in the center and you can customize the flavoring with your favorite sauces and seasonings.

crispy baked tofu cubes on a rimmed baking sheet

We don’t eat a ton of tofu in our house, but once in a while I like to make this family-friendly, crispy baked tofu as a fun, plant based protein option.

There are so many ways to make tofu but I find baking it in the oven is fool-proof.  I also love that I can prep the rest of my meal while it’s baking, making it a very practical option for a busy weeknight.

But first things first….

What Type of Tofu Should You Buy?

Look for extra-firm, non-gmo, organic tofu.  This is what I buy whenever I make crispy baked tofu.

The majority of soybeans grown in the U.S are genetically modified and treated with fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides (yuck!).  An easy way to avoid this is to look for non-gmo and organic labels on your tofu.  It’s usually easy to find and doesn’t cost too much more than conventionally grown tofu.

You will also notice that tofu comes in a few different textures; soft, firm and extra firm being the most common.

The firmer the tofu the less water content it holds.  This is why extra firm tofu is the best choice for making crispy tofu.  The drier your tofu is, the crispier it will be.

Should You Press Your Tofu?

The short answer is yes! 

Remember, the drier the tofu the crispier it will be, and pressing the tofu helps to press out even more water.

Once you have your tofu cut into bite sized pieces, lay them between two lint-free dish towels and then look around your kitchen for some heavy objects.  I start with a rimmed baking sheet and then top it with my cast iron skillet (does the trick every time!).  You can also use a tea kettle or some canned soup or beans to help add some extra weight.

tofu block cut into slices and cubes

How To Season + Bake Your Baked Tofu

  • Place tofu cubes in a large bowl.
  • Toss with a tablespoon each of low sodium tamari and avocado oil.
  • Sprinkle a bit of cornstarch over the top and mix well.
  • Lay the tofu out on a rimmed baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, flipping tofu half way through.
  • Serve and enjoy (or add some extra sauce and seasonings!).

Delicious Ways To Enjoy Baked Tofu

You can of course enjoy these crispy little baked tofu bites, just as they are, straight of the oven.  The are simple, delicious and rather addicting.

BUT, it’s also super fun to finish them with some other sauces (store-bought or homemade).  A few of our family favorites are baked buffalo tofu bites, bbq tofu bites and teriyaki tofu bites.

Baked Buffalo Tofu Bites

crispy baked buffalo tofu bites on a white plate with carrots and celery

If you’re looking for a meatless Monday alternative to buffalo wings, this is the recipe for you.

Here’s all you need to do:

  • Follow the recipe below to make crispy baked tofu bites.
  • Combine 2 tablespoon hot wing sauce with 1 tablespoon blue cheese dressing.
  • Gently toss to the tofu in the sauce to coat.
  • Serve along side cut up carrots and celery with extra blue cheese for dipping.
  • Enjoy!

Baked Teriyaki Tofu Bites

teriyaki tofu with brown rice and broccoli topped with sesame seeds

  • Follow the recipe below to make crispy baked tofu bites.
  • Add 2 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce to a bowl (I like this one).
  • Gently toss to the tofu in the sauce to coat.
  • Serve on top of some brown rice and steamed broccoli.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and enjoy!

Baked BBQ Tofu Bites

chopped salad topped with bbq tofu, corn, black beans tomatoes and red onion

  • Follow the recipe below to make crispy baked tofu bites.
  • Add 2 tablespoon of bbq sauce to a bowl.
  • Gently toss to the tofu in the sauce to coat.
  • Serve on top of this big fat salad and enjoy!

Did You Make This Baked Tofu Recipe?

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think.  And don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram or FaceBook using #cleananddelicious.  I just LOVE seeing what you are cooking in your very own clean and delicious kitchen.

crispy baked tofu cubes on a rimmed baking sheet
Print Recipe
4.74 from 15 votes

Crispy Baked Tofu

Crispy baked tofu will become your new favorite way to make tofu.  It’s crispy on the outside, tender in the middle and insanely delicious.
Course: DIET, DINNER, sides, snacks + starters
Cuisine: Asian, vegan, vegetarian
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 80kcal

Ingredients

  • 14 ounce package extra firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium Tamari*
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil*
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Drain the tofu and slice into thirds lengthwise so you have 3 even slabs. Lay the slabs on top of each other and slice through them lengthwise to make 3 even columns, then slice across to make 5 even rows (see video).
  • Gently move the tofu to the side and line cutting board with a lint-free towel or paper towels. Lay the tofu in an even layer on the towel and then top with another towel ad some heavy things (I like to stack my cast iron skillet on top of a baking sheet but anything heavy will do).
  • Let the tofu sit for 15-30 minutes allowing the liquid to be squeezed out.
  • In a medium bowl combine tamari, avocado oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add tofu to the bowl and gently toss until all of the tofu is lightly coated with the seasoning.
  • Sprinkle corn starch over the top of seasoned tofu and gently toss together.
  • Lat tofu out on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.
  • Once your tofu is done it will be crispy and golden brown on the edges. Serve as desired and enjoy!

Notes

*Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce.  You can also use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
**Avocado oil helps to make the tofu even crispier but if you prefer an oil-free baked tofu, you can omit the avocado oil and still have delicious results.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 292mg | Sugar: 1g

Recipes, Sides, Snacks + Starters, Vegan, Vegetarian, Video cornstarch, sides, snacks + starters, tamari, Tofu, Vegan, Vegetarian

About Dani

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ursula Melia says

    April 29, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Dani
    Tried these today with broccoli and rice and they turned out absolutely perfect!!! I will definitely be making them again! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      May 2, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      So glad you enjoyed the recipe Ursula! thank you for letting me know.

      Reply
  2. Katey says

    May 22, 2019 at 2:20 am

    5 stars
    Hi
    I just want to say I LOVE LOVE all your video’s and I have been making your muffins and my friends and family going crazy for it. I love you say you explain everything in details your are AWESOME. Thank you so much and God bless you

    Reply
    • Dani says

      May 22, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Katey! Thank you so much for letting me know. I’m so glad that you and your friends and your family are enjoying the recipes.

      Reply
  3. Casper says

    July 14, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    5 stars
    i’ve been vegetarian for 10 years but had never really gotten into tofu… i just made this recipe and it was really good! i plan to make this again for sure

    Reply
    • Dani says

      July 17, 2019 at 11:43 am

      So glad you liked it Casper. It really is a delicious way to enjoy tofu.

      Reply
  4. Dianna Mitchell says

    August 10, 2019 at 9:35 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been looking for a lower sodium tofu recipe and so glad I found this recipe. It’s easy to make and delicious! I can’t wait to make it again with a Korean inspired spicy gochujang sauce.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      August 25, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it Dianna! That sauce sounds delicious.

      Reply
  5. Vanessa DavisV says

    December 27, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    This is my first time trying tofu . I am glad
    I found your recipe. It was great. I will be
    making it again. Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 28, 2020 at 10:02 am

      I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for letting me know, Vanessa 🙂

      Reply

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