Savory Garlic Ginger Baked Tofu
Indulge in the delightful crunch and savory flavors of Savory Garlic Ginger Baked Tofu! This recipe transforms simple tofu into a protein-packed delight that’s both satisfying and versatile. Inspired by a classic marinade, the unique blend of soy sauce, fresh garlic, ginger, and sesame oil infuses the tofu with a rich umami taste that you'll crave. Perfect as a protein boost in salads, on top of rice, or enjoyed straight from the pan, this tofu dish can be served warm or cold. With the flexibility to modify the ingredients based on your pantry staples, you can make this recipe your own and experience flavors that dance on your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a health-conscious snack or a light lunch, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm or Extra Firm Tofu
1 (16 ounce) package (drained and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Soy Sauce
3-4 tablespoons (to taste)
Garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
Fresh Ginger
1 tablespoon (grated, to taste)
Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon
Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon
Honey or Sugar
1-2 teaspoons (optional)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the tofu thoroughly to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes to maximize the flavor absorption.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey (or sugar) until well combined.
3
Place the cubed tofu into a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Toss gently to ensure all the pieces are coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate to marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor (up to 3 days).
4
Once marinated, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5
Arrange the marinated tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you include bits of garlic and ginger from the marinade for added flavor.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, flipping the tofu cubes halfway through the baking time. Cook until the tofu is golden brown and has developed a slightly crispy texture on the edges.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Garlic Ginger Baked Tofu?
It is a protein-packed dish featuring tofu marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then baked until golden and crispy.
What type of tofu should I use for this recipe?
For the best texture and flavor absorption, use one 16-ounce package of Firm or Extra Firm tofu.
How long should I marinate the tofu?
You should marinate the tofu for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight provides the best flavor.
Can I marinate the tofu for more than one day?
Yes, the tofu can be kept in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the recommended size for the tofu pieces?
The tofu should be cut into 1-inch cubes to maximize the surface area for flavor absorption and texture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the tofu.
How long does the tofu need to bake?
The tofu should bake for 50 to 60 minutes until it is golden brown.
Do I need to flip the tofu while it's in the oven?
Yes, flip the tofu cubes halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey or sugar.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use sugar instead of honey as the optional sweetener, this recipe is completely vegan.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving of this baked tofu contains 13g of protein.
How many calories are in this tofu dish?
This recipe contains approximately 175 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10g of fat in each serving of the Savory Garlic Ginger Baked Tofu.
Can I use fresh ginger?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for the most vibrant flavor.
How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the baking pan?
Lightly grease the baking sheet or pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before arranging the tofu.
Can I eat this tofu cold?
Yes, this tofu is versatile and can be enjoyed either warm or cold.
What should I serve with this tofu?
It is excellent in salads, served over rice, or eaten straight from the pan as a high-protein snack.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic, depending on your taste preference.
What type of vinegar is best for the marinade?
Rice vinegar is used in this recipe to provide a mild, slightly sweet acidity.
Is the sweetener mandatory?
No, the 1-2 teaspoons of honey or sugar are optional, though they help balance the savory flavors.
Why do I need to drain the tofu first?
Draining excess water allows the tofu to act like a sponge and better absorb the flavors of the marinade.
How much soy sauce should I use?
Use between 3 to 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, adjusted to your preferred saltiness level.
Can I marinate the tofu in a bag?
Yes, you can use either a shallow dish or a resealable bag to marinate the tofu cubes.
What texture should the tofu have after baking?
The tofu should be golden brown with slightly crispy edges while remaining satisfyingly chewy.
Is sesame oil required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to provide a rich, nutty umami taste that is characteristic of this dish.
Should I include the garlic and ginger bits from the marinade on the tray?
Yes, ensuring you include those bits on the baking sheet adds extra bursts of flavor to the final dish.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! Because it can be marinated for up to 3 days and eaten cold or warm, it is perfect for meal prepping lunches.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients including the tofu, marinade components, and oil for the pan.
Is this dish considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is described as a health-conscious, protein-packed snack or light lunch option.
How should I arrange the tofu on the baking sheet?
Arrange the marinated cubes in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy on all sides.