Rich and nutty pieces of baked tofu are perfect for adding to stir-fry or curry dishes, but they are also delicious on their own. Extra-firm tofu will hold up well to the marinating called for in this recipe, though some types of firm tofu will work fine as well. If you are worried that your tofu is too delicate, wrap the tofu slices in clean tea towels, place a plate on top, and a heavy pot or bag of flour on top of that. Let sit for half an hour. As the water in the tofu is absorbed into the towels, the tofu will become sturdier. Dark sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds and gives this dish a deeper flavor. Light sesame oil can also be used.
Sesame Baked Tofu
Ingredients
1 lb extra-firm tofu, patted dry and cut into slices 1/2 inch thick
6 Tbl soy sauce
3 Tbl dark sesame oil
3 Tbl vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 tsp fresh ginger, minced
2 Tbl sesame seeds
Method
Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the tofu and sesame seeds in a medium bowl. Place the tofu slices in a baking dish large enough to lay each piece flat and then pour the marinade over them. Cover and place in the refrigerator for about 8 hours, turning the tofu slices over halfway through.
Preheat the oven to 400F and bake for 30 minutes. Flip slices and bake for another 30 minutes or until a very deep golden brown. The marinade should be completely absorbed. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. The tofu will keep in the refrigerator for two days.
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Meghan - Gemma, this tofu looks fantastic! I know what I’m picking up on my grocery run this afternoon!
White On Rice Couple - This tofu not only sounds , but looks delicious! I grew up eating tofu and am so sad tofu doesn’t get mentioned on more blog recipes. Your technique brings out a delicious looking crust, which makes all the difference. The can already taste the flavors too. Thanks for this recipe.
Evan Petrie - Sarah often makes something that looks very similar to these. They are indeed delicious and they also make for great snacks even a couple of days later.
Lisa - Oh, I love this recipe. I used to make marinated baked tofu all the time at a deli I worked at, and I loved it all on its own. I need to make some soon . . . gorgeous photo, too. Yum.
Kalyn - I just found the link to your recipe on One Hot Stove, and had to check it out because I just posted a recipe for baked tofu today. Love the sound of your recipe, garlic and ginger sound great with this.
chiensetofurecipes - hello,your recipes are so cool,I hope it taste the way it looks I am a chinese food amateur and like cooking the dish myself,I’ll try it,I hope I could cook this dish as yours,thanks for sharing again.
Gemma - Thanks everyone! It is a great everyday recipe to have on hand when adding tofu to any dish.
Sandy in Florida - Making these for my vegetarian sister on Christmas day. Thanks for the recipe.
Gemma - Thanks for visiting, Sandy.