Get ready for some seriously tasty tofu! Our marinated baked tofu recipe is all about turning that plain block into a flavor bomb. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for spicing up your plant-based holiday meals.
You will need maple syrup, dijon mustard, onion powder, pumpkin spice, balsamic vinegar, and a clementine or orange if you have it on hand.
Marinated tofu is one of the staples of our delicious holiday and vegan Christmas recipes repertoire because we use it so much!
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💚 Why you will love it
- Effortlessly Delicious
- Protein and Nutrient-Rich
- Quick Prep Time
- Versatile Dish
- Family-Friendly
🧾 Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu: Provides a sturdy base and absorbs the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a firm and satisfying texture after baking.
- Maple syrup: Adds a delightful sweetness and caramelization to the tofu, enhancing its overall taste and contributing to a beautiful glaze.
- Molasses: Offers a rich and deep flavor, complementing the sweetness of the maple syrup and adding complexity to the marinade.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy note, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup and providing a subtle zing to the tofu.
- Pumpkin spice: Infuses warm and aromatic flavors into the marinade, evoking the essence of autumn and creating a delightful seasoning for the tofu.
- Garlic or onion powder: Adds a savory depth to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the tofu with a touch of umami.
- Ginger powder: Introduces a hint of warmth and earthiness to the marinade, complementing the sweetness and enhancing the overall complexity of flavors.
- Balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy and slightly acidic taste, helping to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and adding a subtle tang to the tofu.
- Clementine juice (or Lemon juice): Provides a citrusy brightness, adding a refreshing element to the marinade and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the baked tofu.
Substitutions
- Maple Syrup: Substitute with agave nectar. This will retain a similar level of sweetness, though a milder, neutral sweetness will replace the distinct maple flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option. Tamari is slightly richer and less salty, but it will maintain the umami depth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar can be a substitute. It offers a slightly different tang with a fruitier undertone.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic is a good alternative. Use one minced garlic clove for every ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder for a fresher, stronger garlic flavor.
- Ginger Powder: Fresh ginger, grated, can be used. Use one teaspoon of fresh ginger for every ¼ teaspoon of ginger powder for a more pungent and spicy kick.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder can replace cornstarch. It provides a similar thickening effect, but the sauce might be glossier and silkier.
🍽️ Equipment
- Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly baking the tofu.
- Saucepan: Needed for simmering and reducing the marinade.
- Brush: For applying the marinade to the tofu.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Whisk or Fork: For mixing the marinade ingredients smoothly.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Slice the tofu blocks into sizeable steaks (only if you handle large ones). Cut the block of tofu into 3-inch (8 cm) and 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick blocks.
Step 2: Press the tofu blocks for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30. Slice the tofu on top of the paper towels.
Step 3:Put another layer of paper towels and something heavy on top.
Step 4. Crisscross the blocks of tofu without going all the way through.
Step 5. Mix the baked tofu marinade ingredients and simmer them to turn the tofu marinade into a glaze.
Step 6: Simmer the tofu marinade ingredients on low-medium heat.
Step 7. Submerge the cut tofu block into the glaze. Then, bake the tofu block cut side up for 35 minutes.
Step 8: Flip the tofu blocks halfway through to add extra marinade on the bottom.
Step 9: Brush marinade on the bottom of the tofu block
Step 10: Flip again to add leftover marinade to the cut part and bake for 5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Total baking time: 35 minutes. Brush or pour extra glaze on each of the three baking phases.
Step 11. Carefully remove the tofu blocks from the parchment paper with a spatula and plate them. Garnish with chopped parsley.
💡 Expert tips
Marinate Well: For the best flavor, marinate your tofu for at least 30 minutes. Leaving it overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavors even more if you have time.
Press Your Tofu: To get that ideal texture, press your tofu before marinating. This step removes excess water and helps the tofu absorb the marinade better.
Baking Sheet Prep: Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Flip for Even Cooking: Halfway through baking, flip your tofu slices. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown finish on both sides.
Glaze to Perfection: After baking, brush on a final coat of the maple glaze. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine, making your tofu tasty and visually appealing.
Rest Before Serving: Let the tofu sit for a few minutes after baking. This rest period allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
🥢 How to serve
Pair with Maple Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of maple-glazed carrots complements the savory notes of the tofu. Their vibrant color and tender texture make them a delightful side.
Add White Steamed Jasmine Rice: A bed of fluffy white steamed Jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade. Its subtle fragrance and light flavor balance the tofu's richness.
Garnish for Extra Flair: Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Then, add a burst of fresh flavor with your choice of chopped chives, cilantro, or parsley leaves. Each herb offers a unique taste – chives bring a mild onion-like flavor, cilantro adds a lemony zing, and parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
📖 Variations
Herb Infusion: Introduce fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Vegan Holiday Ham: Incorporate canned pineapple and cherries to mimic a vegan ham, perfect for festive occasions.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture and richness.
❓ FAQ
Tofu marinades should have some umami flavors like balsamic vinegar (rice wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar work well), regular soy sauce (you can use coconut aminos or tamari sauce for a gluten-free option), and onion powder; then you need spices (like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or ginger), something sweet (like maple syrup, or molasses), and something acid like lime juice! Voila! Tofu Marinade!
You can also add some oil, like toasted sesame oil, into your marinated tofu; this will make it crispy.
When marinating tofu, using extra-firm tofu is your best bet. You want the tofu to be able to hold its shape and not fall apart when baked. If you have firm tofu (instead of extra firm tofu), you should allow extra pressing time (about 10 minutes on top of the recommended 10 minutes).
When putting over the tofu, the sauce should be thin. You can reduce it by simmering it or adding one teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water and then boiling it for another 5-10 minutes for a thicker glaze.
When simmered, it is thick and becomes a creamy glaze for your tofu to enhance its flavor. So these work well with more liquid marinades, like teriyaki tofu.
📚 More Tofu Recipes
Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Crispy Oven Baked Tofu, with its golden exterior and tender center that will leave you craving for more!
Elevate your tofu game with the delectable flavors of Ginger and Soy Sauce Marinated Tofu, where each bite is an explosion of savory and aromatic bliss."
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these heavenly Stuffed Pasta Shells, filled with mouthwatering tofu-based stuffing that will take your pasta night to a whole new level!"
If you are interested in tofu recipes, I bet you will like our article on high protein vegan meals.
Check out our collection of 25+ Vegan Chinese Tofu Recipes!
🎄 More holiday recipes
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Marinated Baked Tofu
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 oz extra firm tofu
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon molasses optional
- 1 ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon onion ground, or garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger ground
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clementine juiced, or orange, lime, lemon
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 ºF (190ºC).
- Press the Extra Firm Tofu thoroughly – at least 15 minutes.
- Juice the clementine and pass it through a colander.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Cut cross-hatched diagonal strips only on one side. Slice deep enough for the marinade to get in but don’t go all the way through.
- Bring to a simmer the marinade ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook until it looks slightly “syrupy,” often stirring – about 3 minutes in low-medium heat.
- Submerge the crisscrossed part briefly into the glaze.
- Place the tofu blocks onto a baking sheet with lined parchment paper, with the scored side up.
- After 15 minutes, remove the tofu blocks from the oven and brush with the glazing, ensuring the marinade gets deeply in. Flip the blocks and brush the bottom part of the block. Bake for another 15 minutes (bottom part up).
- Take the blocks out of the oven, flip them (crisscross part up), and brush some of the marinade again. At this point, the baked tofu is ready.
- Bake for 5 more minutes, with the oven grill mode on, to make the edges extra crispy.
- Remove from oven, brush glaze once more, and let the tofu sit.
- Optional: For an extra festive touch, the last time the tofu goes into the oven, you can place some cloves on the upper part, which will add some extra flavor and make it look prettier. Don't overdo it, as cloves have a strong flavor.
Video
Notes
- Bake for 15 minutes crisscrossed face up.
- Bake 15 minutes crisscrossed face down.
- Bake 5 minutes crisscrossed face up.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
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Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Silviar
Best tofu recipe I have ever tried!
Gus
That's cool, Silviar! Tofu marinades can be tricky and we really love this baked tofu elegant marinade.
Mirlene
This glaze was super delicious! My tofu soaked in the good flavors of the marinade.
Mahy
Now this is the glaze to strive for. I mean, it looks absolutely stunning!
Savita
This looks amazingly delicious and easy to prepare.
Dannii
What an incredible way to use tofu. I can't wait to try it.
Dana Sandonato
This is unreal! So tasty. I LOVE the use of molasses. Never would've thought to use it in a marinade for tofu, thanks so much for this recipe! Already can't wait to make it again.
Gus
Thank you so much Dana, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed our molasses tofu recipe. You're right - it's not always an ingredient people think of when they think about marinades for tofu! We hope this inspires others to experiment with ingredients too.
We love hearing feedback from customers like you and are really grateful that your experience was delightful. If there's any other recipes or blog posts you'd be interested in reading, just let us know!
veenaazmanov
Bursting with flavors and looks super moist and juicy. Tofu sounds healthy too.
Gus
You bet it! That's how we like our baked tofu!
Kate
This is my FAVOURITE kind of tofu... a really chewy, crispy crust, packed with flavour and easy to make for a weeknight supper - just perfect!
Gus
Oh yes! I initially started making maple-glazed baked tofu for Christmas a couple of years ago and then started making it on a regular basis! It is so yummy!
Kayla DiMaggio
This was so delicious! I love all the flavors of this maple tofu!
Gus
We are glad you enjoyed it Kayla!
Jacqui
This tofu is perfection! Such amazing flavors and texture
Gus
Thank you Jacqui! We appreciate the feedback on this delicious baked tofu recipe! We are fans!
Michelle
Thanks for sharing -- cutting the tofu this way really lets the flavour soak in! So delicious!
Gus
You are welcome, Michelle! I am glad you liked the recipe, it is definitely one of our favorite Tofu recipes!
Andrea
Maple is one of my favorite flavors! So happy I found this recipe.
Taly
Hi there!, could I sub agave for maple syrup?
Gus
yes you can Taly!
Gina
This glaze will convert ANY tofu skeptic - so delicious!
Gus
You are so right! Thanks for your comment Gina!
Ieva
Love it! Just finished eating and wow, absolutely amazing! First time baking tofu (I always fry) and first time using pumpkin spice in a tofu dish. Will never look back 🙂
Gus
Hey! I am thrilled you love our baked tofu marinade. We are fans; just the perfect vegan dish to impress your guests! The Pumpkin pie spice addition came as an inspiration during Thanksgiving time celebrations and remained in our kitchen!
Katherine
This tofu is gorgeous, but the pumpkin spice really makes it next level!
Mairead
Pumpkin pie spice takes this marinade to the next level of deliciousness. Thanks for sharing this wonderful marinade.
Gus
You are welcome! Yes, we really loved the result and we are glad you loved it too!