This recipe makes a basic baked tofu that you can then flavor with any of your favorite sauces for a source of healthy protein with an unlimited amount of taste variations. You can refrigerate the baked tofu and pull it out later in the week to add to stir fry and hot stews. Baked tofu is also a great protein addition to cold sandwiches or as a snack.

Basic Baked Tofu

tofu teriyaki

  • 1 block firm or super-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or soy sauce (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350º. Remove the tofu from its package and place in a colander to drain for a few minutes or press the tofu block firmly between paper towels. Slice into strips lengthwise and drain the tofu again by placing the strips between a few layers of paper towels and patting to remove excess water. Cut the strips into medium bite-sized pieces and place them on an oiled baking pan. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the tofu pieces and toss to coat them well. Space the tofu pieces evenly and bake for about 20 minutes or until tofu is lightly browned. If you want, remove the tofu from the oven after 15 minutes and sprinkle with soy sauce or Bragg’s, then bake another 5 minutes. Do not over bake the tofu or it will become chewy. Check the tofu during baking time and if the pieces begin to swell up, that is a sign to take them out immediately. Let cool and enjoy with your favorite flavoring!

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce or Bragg Liquid Aminos
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, maple syrup, fructose, Splenda, etc.)
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Heat the soy sauce and fresh ginger over medium heat in a skillet or saucepan. Stir in the garlic powder and turn the heat down to medium-low. Add a touch of your favorite hot sauce if you want a spicy teriyaki sauce. Add 3/4 cup water and the sweetener and stir until dissolved.

In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch (or other thickener) in an equal amount of water until completely dissolved, and then slowly add to the sauce while stirring continuously. Keep stirring over medium-low heat until the sauce starts to simmer and begins to thicken. Remove the pan from the heat and thoroughly mix the baked tofu pieces into the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds.