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.

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

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature.
Drain the tofu and press it gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pressing the tofu is key to achieving crispy tofu.
Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll get.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.
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.
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.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through for even cooking.
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.
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