Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu: An Incredible Easy Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – With only 15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of baking, this tofu dish is both time-efficient and simple to prepare.
2. Crispy Perfection – The tofu comes out crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside, making it a great texture contrast.
3. Flavorful and Fresh – The lemon zest and black pepper provide a fresh and tangy flavor, enhanced by the garlic powder, making this a delightful dish for any meal.
4. Versatile – Serve this tofu as a main dish, a salad topping, or a side for your favorite meals. It pairs beautifully with grains, vegetables, or even in wraps.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 14 oz firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu

2. Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu is key to achieving crispy tofu.

Step 3: Cut the Tofu

3. Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll get.

Step 4: Mix the Marinade

4. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.

Step 5: Marinate the Tofu

5. Add the tofu pieces into the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes so it can absorb all those fresh flavors.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.

Step 7: Bake the Tofu

7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through for even cooking.

Step 8: Check for Crispiness

8. The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes until you get the desired crispiness.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

9. Remove the tofu from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra spicy flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in place of parsley for a different flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a sweet contrast to the peppery and lemony notes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to retain its crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use extra-firm tofu for this recipe?

Yes, extra-firm tofu is ideal for this recipe since it holds up well and crisps nicely when baked.

2. Can I make this recipe without lemon?

You can substitute the lemon juice and zest with lime or even vinegar for a different tangy flavor, though lemon is best for that fresh zest.

3. Can I air fry the tofu instead of baking?

Yes! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What should I serve this tofu with?

This baked lemon pepper tofu pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. You can also serve it in wraps or bowls.

5. Can I make this tofu in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate the tofu ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit whether you’re a tofu lover or new to plant-based meals. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and tangy lemon flavor, this tofu recipe makes for a delicious addition to any meal. Simple, yet satisfying—this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu: An Incredible Easy Recipe

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• Author: Chef Sara
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu is a quick and flavorful dish with a crispy exterior and tender interior, enhanced by a tangy lemon zest and black pepper marinade.

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature.
2. Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu is key to achieving crispy tofu.
3. Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll get.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.
5. Add the tofu pieces into the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes so it can absorb all those fresh flavors.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through for even cooking.
8. The tofu should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes until you get the desired crispiness.
9. Remove the tofu from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra spice, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a sweet and savory contrast.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg