Imagine a crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a tender, creamy interior - all without the need for deep-frying! Our Crispy Baked Tofu Bites recipe is a revelation, perfect for snacking, adding protein to your favorite dishes, or impressing your friends with a delicious and healthy appetizer. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, you can indulge in this Asian-inspired delight in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the secret to making tofu irresistible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain excess liquid. Place the tofu block between two clean kitchen towels or paper towels and press firmly to remove additional moisture. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to ensure maximum water removal.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cut the pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch will help create a crispy exterior.
- Drizzle olive oil over the coated tofu cubes and gently toss again to distribute the oil evenly.
- Arrange the tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate and helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu cubes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The tofu should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and let the tofu bites cool for 5 minutes. This will help them firm up and become even crispier.
- Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or protein addition to salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls. Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy-based dip.
Tips
- To ensure your Crispy Baked Tofu Bites turn out perfectly, remember to:* Press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which is key to achieving crispiness. * Cut the tofu into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. * Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the tofu from cooking evenly and getting crispy. * Flip the tofu cubes halfway through cooking to achieve that perfect golden-brown color. * Let the tofu bites cool for 5 minutes before serving to help them firm up and become even crisper.By following these simple tips, you'll be on your way to creating a snack or appetizer that will impress even the most discerning palates!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
