Everyone in the family will love this Perfectly Baked Cheesy Crispy Tofu, a mouthwatering, delicious and naturally gluten free entree or snack. Tofu is not just for vegan or vegetarians anymore, this is the perfect recipe for first time tofu consumers!
Tofu is Not Just for Vegan or Vegetarians
I admit it, I was a tofu snob.
I am not a vegetarian or a vegan, so I assumed that tofu was just not ‘for me’, I eat meat after all!
But, like many Americans, I have had some experiences lately that make me question my consumption of meat products, especially as the main focus of a meal.
It all started when I got my chickens.
I am in love with them and it has really made me question the treatment of animals and practices within the food industry, as well as the need to reconsider the role of animal products in my diet.
Of course, in my nutrition counseling sessions, I am always talking to my clients about the importance of eating more plant-based meals, or at least cutting the meat down to be a side in the meal, not the focus of the meal.
There is overwhelming evidence to support the cause behind consuming more plant-based foods, but I personally don’t think it needs to be an all or nothing deal.
Making small changes each day, at each meal, is a great way to start eating more plant-based foods without feeling like you’re making an overwhelming commitment to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
The More Plants The Better
I’m not saying I will likely ever give up meat completely, but I have been actively trying to consume more plant-based options.
Which leads me to tofu.
When thinking about planning out some entirely plant-based meals, I found my self wondering – well what am I going to eat?
Fruits and vegetables obviously, but I always felt like I was missing something, as meat tends to be the focus of the meal.
Tofu was the first thing that came to my mind when I started thinking of meat substitutes, but then I realized:
How the heck do I cook tofu and make it taste good?
And if I feel that way, I am sure you do too.
Because I’ve never cooked with tofu before, it seemed so intimidating to try for the very first time.
That’s why I wanted to share with you my experiences so you can feel comfortable learning how to cook tofu for the first time too – and actually make it taste good! 😉
Which leads us to this delicious Perfectly Baked Cheesy Crispy Tofu.
The Key to Crispy Tofu
And as I started exploring different ways to get started with tofu, I stumbled upon this tutorial from Cookie + Kate.
Apparently, the secret to crispy tofu is to remove even more water from the tofu by pressing it between two clean towels, to absorb the excess moisture.
Who knew? Not this tofu newbie!
So grab your clean dish towels and get to pressing! I put a clean towel on top of the tofu and then placed a cutting board on top with a big cookbook on top of that.
Use whatever works for you!
Also, this recipe calls for nutritional yeast.
You may be thinking, “Emily, you’re pushing it with the tofu”, but I swear, nutritional yeast is awesome.
It is a plant-based product that has a ‘cheesy’ flavor. This is the one I use. It is exceptionally nutritious, high in many vitamins and minerals including B12.
But if this is too much for you, just use grated parm for now 🙂
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Perfectly Baked Cheesy Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
- 14 ounce package of Extra Firm Organic Tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon corn flour any kind of flour will work
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast (no nutritional yeast? Just double up on the flour or use grated parm if not veganr!)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Drain the excess water from the tofu package.
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Drain the excess water from the tofu package and Slice the block length-wise into 1/4 inch slabs.
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Slice those slabs into bite sized pieces and arrange in a flat layer atop a clean cloth.
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Top with an additional clean cloth and top with a book or something heavy, to squeeze the water out. Let rest 15 minutes.
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While waiting, mix together the wet ingredients: olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic in a small bowl.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients: the corn flour, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
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After 15 minutes, remove the weight and top cloth from the tofu and brush with the olive oil mixture on both sides.
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Transfer the tofu to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and toss until well coated.
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Arrange the coated tofu on a foil lined baking sheet in an even layer.
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Coat all pieces evenly with cooking spray.
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Bake for 30 minutes, flipping once and spraying again with cooking spray halfway through.
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Serve with your favorite dipping sauce - marinara is my families favorite!
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Enjoy!
DON’T FORGET YOUR MEAL PLAN!
I hope you’re inspired to try new and different recipes, like this Perfectly Baked Crispy Cheesy Tofu! And more importantly, I hope you’re inspired to try new plant-based meal options.
If you’re looking for additional help in meal planning or discovering new and delicious recipes to try, be sure to download my Free 16 page eBook – The 5 Day Happy & Healthy Meal Plan below!
And if you make any of these, be sure to tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or let me know in the comments below ♥
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Never mind, I just looked at the picture again #9, and it looks like it’s just a reflection… lol!
I’ve been a vegetarian for 18+ years, and still don’t like tofu, but this sounds and looks great! Just had a question about how your cooking it… Are you placing them singly on the baking tray, or stacking a couple? In one of the last pictures it looks like a few are stacked on top of each other
So glad you were able to figure it out, sorry about the reflection!
This tofu looks like perfection. I can’t believe I’ve never added nooch to it before!
You will love it, Jordan!
Yay I love that you also listed coconut aminos – it’s so much better than soy sauce. This sounds so awesome!
I have to say, I’m kind of obsessed with coconut aminos! But my husband hates it, so I figured I would list both 🙂
What a fabulous idea! Not only do I want to try this recipe, but it has also given me some other tasty ideas 🙂
Oh, I am so glad I inspired you Alisa!
When we were in Hawaii, the island was overflowing with chickens. I loved them so much to the point that my husband bought a chicken stuffed animal souvenir for me. I refused to eat chicken the whole trip and even a bit after we got home! I can’t wait to try these!!!
I totally get it, Lorie! I couldn’t eat chicken throughout my entire pregnancy, it was my one food that made my stomach turn! I still very rarely eat it now!
This looks so good!! I had to cut out soy but in the last year I added it in once a month or so but trying to add it in more and hope I can keep enjoying it in a balanced way. I think I just had way too much in the past that threw some things out of whack.
I totally understand but am so sorry to hear that, Sarah! I hope you’re getting back on track to better health <3
OMG, I have to make this! My son has to go gluten/dairy free and I really hope he likes it 🙂
Oh yay!! I know hes older than my son, but hopefully he loves it just as much 🙂 Let me know how it turns out for you!
I’ve probably made tofu 1000 times but why have I never used nooch on it?! I guess I’m always thinking more Asian recipes so it doesn’t come to mind…I am trying this ASAP!
OMG its like a plant-based match made in heaven, SO good!!
I feel like my at home tofu attempts are always a fail. I’ll definitely have to try this!
I used to feel that way, too Amanda! Just like anything, it takes some time to get used to.
If you didn’t tell me this was tofu I would have had no idea! Looks delicious!
Thank you so much, Maria!