Baked Marinated Tofu

A simple soy sauce and mirin marinade turns baked tofu into a versatile protein for snacks, salads, wraps, grain bowls, rice dishes, pasta, and more.

Simple, flavorful tofu that’s ready whenever you are.,

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz / 454 g) block firm tofu, cut into 24 cubes
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet cooking rice wine)
  • 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

If you don’t have mirin:
Use an equal amount of cooking sherry, another cooking wine, or water. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness with savory foods, add 1–2 teaspoons honey.

Directions

  1. Drain the tofu and cut into 24 cubes.
  2. Whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil.
  3. Place the tofu in a glass container or other container just large enough to hold it. For a milder marinade, you can add about ¼ cup water. Pour the marinade over the tofu and gently turn to coat. The tofu should be mostly submerged in the marinade.
  4. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
  5. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  6. Arrange the tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, turning halfway through. For a firmer, chewier texture, bake for 60 minutes.

Kitchen Notes

  • Baking at a lower temperature slowly dries the tofu, creating a pleasantly chewy texture.
  • The traditional marinade is equal parts regular soy sauce and mirin. I use low-sodium soy sauce and still find it a little too salty, so I usually add about ¼ cup water. If you’re accustomed to the traditional version, start there and adjust to your own taste.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as a finger food or high-protein snack.
  • Bring to a potluck or picnic.
  • Add to salads, wraps, pita, or sandwiches.
  • Use as the protein in grain bowls, rice dishes, noodle dishes, or pasta.

share this recipe:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Here’s more

What Is a Healthy Food?

Is broccoli healthy? Sure. But no single food can give us everything we need. Here’s a more useful way to think about “healthy food”—without chasing nutritional perfection.

Read More