Crispy Baked Garlic & Ginger Tofu
I’ve been on a tofu kick lately— it’s such a versatile plant protein, and when prepped the right way, it’s seriously delicious! The key to this recipe is the flavorful marinade with garlic and ginger that soaks into each strip, followed by a bake in the oven until golden and crisp… and a big finish with lime juice and zest. Also, there’s no need to pre-drain the tofu block, which is a major timesaver!
Why this tofu will be your new go-to
- Easy prep, no fuss: No need to press and drain the tofu block—just slice, pat, and marinate. (Other chef’s may kill me for saying this, but you really can skip this step!)
- Bold flavor payoff: Garlic, ginger, and lime create a scrumptious flavor combo.
- Baked, not fried: Crisps up beautifully in the oven with minimal oil.
- Meal-prep friendly: Just as good hot from the oven as it is cold the next day.
This tofu is great on its own, tucked into a wrap, or added to any grain bowl— try it with my crispy brown rice or quinoa!
Perfect pairing
Looking for more ways to enjoy this crispy tofu? Try it in my Spicy Mango Summer Rolls for a fresh and fiery bite, or pair it with my Asian-Style Salad with Crunchy Brown Rice or Sesame-Lime Watermelon Poke Bowl for the ultimate plant-powered plate. You can also keep it simple with a side of Sesame-Garlic Edamame for a protein-packed snack or starter. Together, they create a vibrant, nourishing spread that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to pull off at home.
More delicious sides to round It out
For a full meal, try pairing your tofu with one (or a few!) of these flavorful, Joy-approved sides:
- Simple salad with my Carrot-Ginger Dressing: The perfect crisp counterpart to your savory tofu.
- Best Roasted Veggies Ever: A mix of caramelized, colorful vegetables adds warmth and texture.
- Zucchini Parmesan Crisps: Lightly cheesy, crunchy, and totally addictive.
- Smashed Broccoli Parm: Crispy edges and savory goodness in every bite.
- Cauliflower “Fried” Rice: A lighter spin on takeout that pairs perfectly with this tofu.
Try my Air Fryer Miso Tofu next!
Crispy Baked Garlic & Ginger Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 package extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime, juice and zest (about 1 tablespoon juice + 1 teaspoon zest)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice tofu into even strips (about ½-inch thick). To remove excess moisture, pat each piece firmly with a layered paper towel—this helps them crisp up better in the oven.
- In a large bowl, mix avocado oil, garlic, ginger, ¼ tsp salt, and black pepper. Carefully add tofu strips to the bottom (do this in two batches so they don’t layer on top of each other and break), gently tossing to really coat all sides. Lay tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the top. (You probably won’t have anything left over).
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip using tongs, then bake another 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining ¼ tsp salt over the tops, then drizzle on lime juice and zest just before serving. Enjoy over salad greens, rice or noodles, toss into a stir-fry, or use as a savory sandwich filling. It’s delicious hot or cold!
I really liked this recipe! I have never cooked tofu before but this sounded so easy and good that I had to try it. I did add a little soy sauce to the marinade and some chili crisp for some heat. Turned out great! This is good on an Asian Crunch salad or just as a nice protein snack by itself.
This makes me so happy to hear, Patricia! Thank you for giving it a try, especially as your first tofu recipe! And I love your tweaks… a splash of soy sauce and chili crisp sounds delish and right at home with the garlic-ginger flavors. YES to serving it over an Asian Crunch salad… maybe try it next time with my edamame crunch salad!!