Baked tofu is one of those weeknight staples that’s endlessly versatile—you just need the right marinades to keep things exciting. This version gives you three flavor-packed options in one go: a bright and zesty sesame ginger, a bold and smoky Tex-Mex, and a tangy, slightly sweet balsamic. Each one transforms plain tofu into something you’ll actually crave, with crispy edges and tender centers that soak up every bit of flavor. Mix and match for meal prep, serve them over rice or salads, or tuck them into wraps for an easy, satisfying meal.
Tofu is like a blank canvas—it takes on whatever flavors you give it. Baking in the oven is the traditional method for tofu, but you can also cook it in the air fryer for a faster, more convenient method. Either way, it turns out with a lightly crisp exterior and a tender, almost meaty bite inside. Even better, it’s totally hands-off: just marinate, spread in an oven-safe dish, and let the oven do the work.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can make one batch or try all three flavors at once—great for meal prep, mixing and matching, or serving a crowd with different tastes. However you enjoy them, these baked tofu bites are simple, nourishing, and anything but boring.
Ingredient Notes for Baked Tofu Three Ways
Tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisines for over 2,000 years. Nutritionally, tofu is a powerhouse. It’s naturally high in plant-based protein and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source (something not all plant foods can claim). It’s also rich in iron, calcium (especially if calcium sulfate is used in processing), and magnesium, while being low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. Tofu also contains isoflavones—plant compounds linked to potential benefits for heart and bone health.
In this recipe, I share three marinades so you can keep things fresh and exciting:
- Sesame Ginger: A savory-sweet blend with soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil. It’s bright, zesty, and perfect for serving with rice bowls or stir-fried veggies. Try Sesame Ginger Baked Tofu in Asparagus Stir Fry with Orange Miso Sauce.
- Tex-Mex: Smoky ancho chili, cumin, and paprika with and citrus. This one shines in tacos, burritos, or even crumbled into a salad for a protein boost. Try Tex-Mex Baked Tofu in High Protein Vegan Fajitas.
- Balsamic: A tangy-sweet glaze with balsamic vinegar, a touch of maple, and herbs. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even pasta. Try Balsamic Baked Tofu in Mediterranean Veggie Rice Bowl.
Preparation Notes for Baked Tofu Three Ways
- Press the tofu: Wrap the block in a clean towel and set something heavy on top for 15–20 minutes. This removes excess water and helps the tofu soak up more flavor.
- Cut evenly: Cube or slice the tofu into uniform pieces so they bake at the same rate and get evenly crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd: Spread the tofu in a single layer on the baking sheet with a little space between pieces—this helps them brown instead of steam.
- Flip halfway: Turn the tofu once during baking so all sides get golden and lightly crisp.
Baked Tofu Three Ways
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes35
minutesIngredients
- Ancho Chili Marinade
2 limes, juiced
1 medium orange, juiced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ancho chili powder or paste
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tbsp agave syrup
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
- Sesame Ginger Marinade
1 lime, juiced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tbsp miso
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- Balsamic Garlic Marinade
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp agave or maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
- For each marinade, combine all ingredients in a blender cup and blend well.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Press tofu. Cut into strips or cubes as desired.
- Place tofu in an oven-safe dish and pour 3/4 of the marinade evenly over tofu.
- Bake for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from oven.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the tofu and allow to cool slightly.
- Air fryer method: Place marinated tofu cubes or strips in the air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Remove tofu and place in a bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the tofu and allow to cool slightly.
