Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 1 (14 ounce or 400 gram) package extra firm tofu, drained and pressed for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Stir together soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, rubbed sage, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade base.
- Cut Tofu: Slice the pressed tofu into cubes, slabs, or your preferred shape, ensuring uniform pieces that will cook evenly. Place the tofu in a bowl or shallow dish for marinating.
- Marinate Tofu: Pour the marinade mixture over the tofu pieces, making sure they are well coated. Let the tofu marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through to absorb the flavors evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure proper baking temperature for the tofu.
- Arrange Tofu: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu pieces in a single layer, giving them space to bake evenly. Reserve any leftover marinade for later use.
- Bake Tofu: Place the tofu in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then carefully flip the pieces over and spoon any reserved marinade on top. Continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the marinade dries out and the tofu firms up with a chewy texture.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the baked tofu immediately while warm as a delicious savory snack or meal addition. Alternatively, store in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu for at least 30 minutes is essential to remove excess water for better texture and marinade absorption.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can customize the herbs according to your preference by adding rosemary or oregano.
- Serve baked tofu over salads, rice bowls, or as a protein-packed snack.
- Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to maintain texture without drying out.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian American
- Diet: Vegetarian