Basic Baked Tofu Strips
For years and years, I prepped my tofu in a pan. With lots of oil. It usually took a while (and lots of stirring). Then I discovered the simple trick of baking tofu in the oven, and it’s changed everything.
Tofu doesn’t need supervision in the oven (I mean, it does–but all you have to do is check every once in a while). You don’t need to stir more than once or maybe twice. It may take longer than in a pan, but it’s hands-off.
Baking tofu is also great if you’re mindful of how much oil you’re using. If you fry tofu in a pan for 10 or 15 minutes, you probably add oil here and there to prevent it from sticking or drying out. I certainly did. With baked tofu, I find you don’t need oil at all.
Adapting the recipe depending on the meal you’re making
Don’t get me wrong, adding oil can be nice just for flavor. But it’s not necessary. All you need is some soy sauce or tamari and lots of spices.
This is my basic baked tofu recipe with the spices and herbs I always put in. From there, you can add whatever feels fitting with regards to the meal you’ve got in mind. But you can never go wrong with some garlic and onion powder, Italian herbs and smoked paprika. I always add nutritional yeast, too, but you could omit it if you don’t have it (why don’t you have it?!).
For these basic baked tofu strips, you cut your tofu into slices, toss them with spices and soy sauce, and bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them to be on the outside. After you’ve removed the tofu from the oven, all you have to do is cut them into cut little strips. These look so pretty with the browned exterior and white tofu goodness inside!
PrintBasic Baked Tofu Strips
These basic baked tofu strips are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly versatile. Made in the oven with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for bowls, salads, wraps, or as an easy plant-based protein option.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2x 200g packages tofu
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2-3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (or just oregano or thyme)
- 1/2 tsp smoked or regular paprika powder
- optional spices you like, like a dash of turmeric, coriander, or cumin – depending on what kind of meal you’ve got planned
- olive oil, optional*
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 200° C (about 390° Fahrenheit)
- Cut the tofu into thin slices, about 8 slices per package
- Toss with the rest of the ingredients on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment
- Roast in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your tofu, flipping the tofu slices after 10-15 minutes
- Once the tofu is ready, cut the slices into thin strips
Notes
*I find it unnecessary to add oil here and usually don’t, but oil always enhances flavor, so feel free to use it! In that case, 1/2 to 1 tablespoon would work well
