Appetizer > Vegetarian > Chinese

Crispy Baked Tofu Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of extra firm tofu (14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Toss the tofu cubes in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the tofu and toss to coat.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu cubes in a single layer.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu cubes halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 140
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total carbohydrate: 7g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 0g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot starch or potato starch.
- Nutritional yeast can be substituted with grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs.
- Garlic powder and onion powder can be substituted with fresh minced garlic and onion.

Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Use different spices such as cumin, chili powder, or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cutting it into cubes.
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking.
- For extra crispy tofu, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tofu in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the crispy baked tofu on a bed of rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.

Pairings:
Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tofu is not crispy enough, bake it for a few more minutes or broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- If the tofu is sticking to the baking sheet, use a non-stick baking sheet or line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the tofu to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Tofu originated in China over 2,000 years ago and has since become a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
The crispy baked tofu has a savory and slightly nutty flavor from the nutritional yeast and spices.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the crispy baked tofu as a main dish or as a protein-rich addition to a salad or stir-fry.

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Taste: Crispy, Savory, Nutty, Umami, Tangy