Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tofu
Indulge in this enticing Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tofu, perfect for any meal of the day! Whether served as a delectable snack, a hearty sandwich filling, or a vibrant salad topper, this dish promises an explosion of flavors in every bite. With a choice between two tantalizing marinades, you can customize the dish to suit your palate. The tofu is marinated for a rich infusion of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, and then baked to perfection, allowing it to hold its shape while developing a delicious crust. It's versatile and enjoyable hot, warm, or even chilled. Perfect for meal prep, this dish keeps well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner throughout the week. Enjoy this healthy and nutritious option that delights the taste buds and leaves you feeling satisfied!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm tofu
1 (16-ounce package, sliced horizontally into 4 slices)
Fresh lemon juice
1/2 (divided (1/4 cup for first marinade, 1/4 cup for second marinade))
Soy sauce
4 (divided tablespoons (2 tablespoons for each marinade))
Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
6 (divided tablespoons (3 tablespoons for each marinade))
Water
1/2 (cup)
Chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 (cup)
Minced scallion
1 (tablespoon)
Tabasco sauce (or fresh green chile, seeded and minced)
1 (teaspoon)
Minced fresh rosemary (or dried crumbled)
1 (tablespoon or 1 teaspoon dried)
Black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it's ready for a delicious bake.
2
Carefully slice the block of firm tofu horizontally into four equal slices and set them aside for marinating.
3
Choose one of the two marinades for flavoring. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the selected marinade ingredients until smooth and well combined.
4
In a small nonreactive baking pan (avoid aluminum), pour half of the prepared marinade, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated.
5
Place the tofu slices in the pan in a single layer, then pour the remaining marinade over the tofu, ensuring all surfaces are well covered.
6
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake the tofu for 45 to 60 minutes, flipping the tofu slices after about 30 minutes to ensure even browning.
7
Check for doneness; the tofu should be golden brown, bubbling, and slightly crisped at the edges.
8
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a metal spatula, gently lift the tofu slices onto a serving platter.
9
Enjoy the tofu warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tofu?
It is a versatile, plant-based dish featuring firm tofu marinated in lemon and herbs, then baked until golden and slightly crisp.
What type of tofu should I use for this recipe?
You should use one 16-ounce package of firm tofu for the best results.
How should the tofu be sliced?
The block of tofu should be sliced horizontally into four equal slices.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the tofu.
How long does the tofu need to bake?
The tofu typically takes 45 to 60 minutes to bake to perfection.
When should I flip the tofu slices during baking?
Flip the tofu slices after approximately 30 minutes of baking to ensure even browning on both sides.
How do I know when the baked tofu is done?
The tofu is done when it is golden brown, bubbling, and slightly crisped at the edges.
What kind of baking pan should I use?
Use a small nonreactive baking pan; it is specifically recommended to avoid aluminum pans for this recipe.
How many marinade options are available?
The recipe suggests choosing between two tantalizing marinade options to suit your palate.
What are the primary liquid ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, olive or vegetable oil, and water.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon of dried crumbled rosemary.
What can I use if I don't have Tabasco sauce?
You can substitute Tabasco sauce with one teaspoon of fresh green chile that has been seeded and minced.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it keeps well and can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner throughout the week.
How should I store leftover baked tofu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
How long does the cooked tofu stay fresh in the fridge?
The baked tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I eat this tofu cold?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be enjoyed hot, warm, or chilled.
What are some ways to serve Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tofu?
It can be served as a snack, a hearty sandwich filling, or a vibrant topper for salads.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses chopped fresh cilantro, minced scallions, and fresh or dried rosemary.
How much lemon juice is needed in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, divided between the marinade components.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this is a plant-based, vegan-friendly protein dish.
How much soy sauce is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of soy sauce in total, divided for the marinades.
What kind of oil is recommended?
You can use either olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
How do I ensure the tofu is well-marinated?
Pour half the marinade into the pan, lay the tofu in a single layer, and pour the remaining marinade over the top to cover all surfaces.
Does the tofu maintain its texture after baking?
Yes, baking allows the tofu to hold its shape while developing a delicious crust.
Is there any black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
How many scallions do I need?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of minced scallion.
How much water is added to the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to be mixed into the marinade.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a slight kick from the one teaspoon of Tabasco sauce or minced green chile, but it is generally balanced by the lemon and herbs.
How should I remove the tofu from the pan?
Once done, use a metal spatula to gently lift the tofu slices onto a serving platter.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used to create this zesty tofu dish.