Crispy Baked Tofu with Italian Herbs Recipe
Discover a flavorful and crispy way to enjoy tofu with this Crispy Baked Tofu with Italian Herbs recipe. Perfectly seasoned with tamari, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a blend of dried Italian herbs, this baked tofu offers a satisfying crunch and a robust flavor profile. Ideal as a protein-rich addition to salads, pasta dishes, wraps, or enjoyed on its own, it’s easy to prepare and versatile for a variety of meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 (14-oz.) package extra-firm tofu
Marinade
- 1 ½ Tbsp tamari (or soy sauce, ensure gluten-free as needed)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (NOT glaze)
- 1 ½ Tbsp tomato paste
- 4-5 small cloves garlic, crushed or minced (about 2 tsp)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (omit if using soy sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Press Tofu: Wrap the extra-firm tofu in an absorbent towel and place a heavy object, such as a cast iron skillet, on top to press out excess moisture for 15 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press for this step.
- Crumble Tofu: Once pressed, crumble the tofu into pieces smaller than ½ inch and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, crushed garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and sea salt until well combined.
- Marinate Tofu: Pour the marinade over the crumbled tofu and toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake Tofu: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then flip the tofu pieces with a spatula to promote even crisping. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the tofu is firm, golden, and has crispy edges.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the tofu warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with wraps, risotto, polenta, creamy pink pasta, pasta arrabiata, on pizza, or alongside roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or oven at 350°F (176°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and achieve crispy texture.
- Use balsamic vinegar, not balsamic glaze, for the right balance of acidity.
- Adjust salt level if using soy sauce instead of tamari as soy sauce tends to be saltier.
- This tofu can be kept in the freezer for up to one month, making it great for meal prep.
- Reheating in the oven or skillet preserves the crispy texture better than microwaving.
- Perfect plant-based protein option suitable for vegetarians and vegans.