Crispy Baked Tofu with Brown Rice

This recipe features crispy baked tofu served over a bed of fluffy brown rice. The tofu is marinated and then baked to perfection, creating a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a tender interior. It's a healthy, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that's easy to customize with your favorite sauces and vegetables.
Crispy Baked Tofu with Brown Rice
Zylo Recipes

Instructions


1.

Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet or books) on top and press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This is crucial for achieving crispy tofu.

2.

Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder.

3.

Cut the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch thick cubes or slices.

4.

Marinate the tofu: Place the tofu in the bowl with the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

5.

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6.

Coat with cornstarch: In a separate bowl, place the cornstarch. Toss the marinated tofu with the cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This step helps the tofu get extra crispy.

7.

Bake the tofu: Arrange the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

8.

Cook the rice: While the tofu is baking, cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing the rice, then combining it with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

9.

Assemble and serve: Fluff the cooked brown rice with a fork. Serve the crispy baked tofu over a bed of brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and your favorite toppings, such as sriracha or steamed vegetables.


Nutritional Information


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Notes


1.

For extra crispy tofu, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

2.

Adjust the marinade ingredients to your liking. You can add other spices like red pepper flakes for heat.

3.

If you don't have time to marinate the tofu, you can skip that step, but the flavor will be less intense.

4.

To make this recipe oil-free, omit the sesame oil from the marinade. The tofu will still crisp up nicely in the oven.

5.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tofu in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.

Category


• Main Course (Asian-Inspired)

Keywords


Tofu Brown Rice Baked Tofu Vegan Vegetarian Healthy Crispy Asian Marinade

Dietary


Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-Free (check soy sauce) Dairy-Free

Calories Per Serving


• Approximately 450-550 kcal

Cook Time


• 35 minutes (Medium)

Total Time


• 55 minutes

Equipment


  • • Tofu press (optional)
  • • Cutting board
  • • Knife
  • • Measuring cups and spoons
  • • Mixing bowls
  • • Whisk
  • • Baking sheet
  • • Parchment paper
  • • Saucepan

Approx. Cost


• 8-12

Ingredients


Tofu Marinade

  • • 1 block (14-16 oz) Extra-firm tofu (Pressed to remove excess water)
  • • 3 tablespoons Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) (Adds umami and saltiness)
  • • 2 tablespoons Maple syrup (or agave) (Adds sweetness and helps with browning)
  • • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar (Adds tanginess)
  • • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil (Adds nutty flavor)
  • • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder (Adds savory flavor)
  • • 1/2 teaspoon Ginger powder (Adds warmth and spice)
  • • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) (Helps with crisping)

Rice

  • • 1 cup Brown rice (Long-grain or short-grain)
  • • 2 cups Water (For cooking the rice)

Optional Toppings & Garnishes

  • • To taste Sesame seeds (Adds texture and flavor)
  • • To taste Chopped green onions (Adds freshness)
  • • To taste Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (For heat)
  • • To taste Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (Broccoli, bok choy, carrots, etc.)

Variations


  • • Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, carrots)
  • • Edamame
  • • Seaweed salad
  • • Miso soup
  • • Green salad with sesame ginger dressing
  • • Kimchi