This spicy baked tofu recipe is easy to make and pairs so well with my dairy-free chipotle sauce. Add it to a burrito bowl or buddha bowl for a filling, delicious plant-based meal. Ingredients are fairly minimal. You need extra-firm tofu, olive oil, spices and corn starch. The corn starch is going to give your tofu that perfect crispy outer layer.
Spicy Baked Tofu
It’s really important that you use extra firm tofu for this recipe. This way the squares will hold up and you’ll get that crispy outer layer. I’m starting to see pre-pressed tofu in grocery stores (it comes in more of a shrink wrap package vs. a hard square container), which is the firmest tofu I’ve found. For this recipe, however, I’m using regular extra firm tofu from Nasyoa and it works just fine.
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Spicy Baked Tofu – Crispy!
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Description
This spicy baked tofu recipe will give you that perfect crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu (14 oz)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- Press the block of tofu to drain it of excess liquid. To do this, place the block on paper towels. On top of it, stack more paper towels, then a small cutting board (or other flat surface), and finally something of weight (like a soup can). Let it sit and drain for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- When tofu has drained, cut block into small cubes (about 1″). Toss in a large mixing bowl with olive oil. Then toss with the spice mixture. Finally, toss with the cornstarch so that everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the tofu cubes on a parchment paper-lined pan in a single layer, not touching.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the tofu cubes. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple minutes.
- For best taste and texture, enjoy right away. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but baked tofu is never as good reheated as it is right out of the oven.
Keywords: spicy baked tofu, baked tofu, crispy baked tofu
If you don’t have the exact spices called for on hand, any taco seasoning mix will work. I’ve also added a tbsp of hot sauce to the recipe with good results. And while the texture isn’t as good, I have made this without the cornstarch when I haven’t had any in my kitchen, and it still works. You don’t get that even outer crunch like with the cornstarch, but it will suffice in a pinch!
Similar Recipes
If you like this spicy baked tofu recipe, check out the following:
- Chipotle Roasted Cauliflower Tacos – One of my favorite taco recipes! You could also substitute the cauliflower for this spicy tofu.
- Dairy-Free Chipotle Sauce – Mentioned earlier in this post; goes so well with this baked tofu!
- How to Make Shredded BBQ Jackfruit – This is another plant-based staple.
- Seared Tofu Buddha Bowls with Tahini Sauce – One of my favorite buddha bowl recipes—so good!
Joe can’t stand when I cook tofu on the stovetop (the oil splatter, the smell, etc.), so baking is my go-to when he’s home! How he feels about tofu cooking is how I feel about him cooking scrambled eggs. 😉
xo Nicole
