Learn how to make crispy oven baked tofu with no oil in a few easy steps! This oil- free tofu is vegan + gluten-free and can be tossed in your favorite dish or eaten as is! No fuss + easy. No need to press the tofu in a tofu press.Β Baked not fried tofu that is crispy + healthy?!?! Yes, please!
Yes, I said No Oil + Still Crispy!
TOFU! The amazing little soybean transformed into a dream come true for the non-meat-eater (dramatization π€£). Here at MVF we eat tofu a few times per week. We have experimented with cooking tofu so many different ways. You name it, we tried it. Pan fried, boiled, deep fried, grilled, and even baked. One of my first articles on this blog was about buying and cooking tofu by pan-frying. BUT I never could stand the sticking! Add oil, move the tofu around the pan, add more oil, flip it, add more oil. No more!
Since we have transitioned to a whole food plan-based diet, we make it a priority in our everyday cooking to limit the amount of oil we use. Not sure about limiting oils? Curious about what WFPB way of life is? Check out my article here.
After several oil-free tofu experiments, I came to the conclusion that it is not worth the calories to dunk, drown, drizzle or spray oil on your tofu. Not necessary! My first oil-free tofu experiment was with my air fryer.Β If you know me, you know I love my air fryer.Β Tofu in the air fryer has a lovely fried-like exterior.Β The texture is slightly spongier than oven baked tofu.Β Both recipes require no oil + both are equally as good.Β Check out my method for Air-Fryer Tofu right here.
Tara’s Tips for Perfect Oil-Free Oven Baked Tofu
- Cut your tofu into whatever shape you like BUT they need to be even in size.Β Cutting them evenly ensures they all cook evenly.
- Line your baking tray.Β If you don’t, the tofu will stick.Β Silicone liner works best but parchment paper will also do.
- Use a flour sifter for the nutritional yeast.Β Yes, the kind you use for baking.Β It works! The flakes sift down to a fine powder and that is what makes it stick!
- The goal with the nutritional yeast and the onion/garlic powder mixture is to create a coating on the tofu.Β This is what gives it the crispy outside while still having oil-free tofu.
- I use air fried tofu when I make Vegan Orange Chicken but I enjoy this oven baked version when I make Vegan Pad Thai. You can even eat them as they are, you can dunk them in your favorite dip (Chipotle Mayo or Avocado Cilantro) or throw them on a salad (Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing) or mix them into a curry (Thai Coconut Curry). Enjoy!
Crispy Oven Baked Tofu with No Oil
Step-by-step guide to making the BEST Oil-free crispy tofu in the oven. Perfect for your favorite plant-based recipe!
Ingredients
- One 14 ounce block of firm or extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp onion powder + garlic powder
Directions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Step 2 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liner
- Step 3 Drain all of the water out of the tofu container and gently squeeze the excess water out of the tofu block with a towel. No need to press.
- Step 4 Cut tofu into cubes or triangles or sticks of even sizes.
- Step 5 Sprinkle each tofu piece with nutritional yeast through a flour sifter. Then sprinkle with onion powder and garlic powder. Flip and repeat making sure each piece is coated with the mixture.
- Step 6 Transfer tofu to lined baking sheet.
- Step 7 Bake in 425-degree oven for 20 minutes. Flip each tofu piece over. Return to oven and bake an additional 20 minutes or until crispy golden brown.
- Step 8 Toss your tofu in your favorite dish or eat as is! Enjoy!
β€Did you make this Crispy Oven Baked Tofu? Rate + comment on this recipe below!
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