Crispy Oil-Free Baked Tofu

Crispy tofu with roasted kabocha squash

This oven-baked tofu is oil-free, gluten-free, yet offers the same satisfying crunch as fried or breaded foods! Coated in nutritional yeast, they’re satisfyingly salty and cheesy(ish).

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is an edible, deactivated yeast that is a great source of complete proteins, fiber, and vitamin B12. It tastes cheesy and nutty all while being vegan and dairy-free!

Pressing Tofu

Why press tofu? Tofu contains lots of moisture, even when it is firm or extra firm. Pressing the tofu causes lots of the water to be released in a relatively short amount of time, and it allows for a much crispier end-product.

To press tofu without an actual tofu press, remove it from the packaging and wrap it in paper towels or kitchen towels (I do one layer of paper towel followed by a more absorbent cloth). Then, transfer it onto a baking sheet to catch the excess water, and place a heavy object on top. This could be a book, a baking tray with canned food on it, or a few pots and pans. My personal favorite? Using the cast iron pan that I later fry the tofu with. Just make sure that the object isn’t too heavy or the tofu won’t maintain its structure well.

Variations

• Feel free to mix extra seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.) into the nutritional yeast

• You can use tempeh instead of tofu! You can either use it straight out of the package, or steam/boil it and dry it off first to reduce the bitterness.

Cripsy Oil-Free Baked Tofu
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1-14 oz block firm tofu
• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce (more if needed)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (more if needed)
  
  

Directions

1. Press tofu for 30 minutes to overnight (in the refrigerator) by wrapping in a clean towel and placing under a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet, baking tray with canned food, etc.) to release excess water. Make sure that the object is not too heavy, or the tofu will be crushed and crumbly.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F.
3. Cut the tofu into flat rectangles or preferred shape.
4. Dip each piece into the soy sauce followed by nutritional yeast, coating evenly on all sides. Place onto a lined baking tray.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping half way through. Serve immediately over a salad or with other side dishes.

Per serving: 100 calories: 3.7 g carbs; 5 g fat; 10 g protein