These crispy baked tofu sticks are a healthy and tasty treat! With simple seasonings, they turn golden in the oven, making them crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
Honestly, they are perfect for dunking in your favorite sauce! I enjoy serving them with sweet chili sauce—so delicious! Give them a try for a quick snack or side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for the best texture. If you can’t find it, firm tofu can work, but it may be a bit softer. Make sure to press it well to remove moisture!
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Soy sauce adds saltiness. Tamari is a gluten-free option. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds sweetness. If you want to skip it, increase the maple syrup or honey a bit for sweetness. Try adding a splash of rice vinegar for balance!
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a nice, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use any neutral oil like canola, but this won’t replicate the flavor as much.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add sweetness. If you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup. Agave syrup is another good option.
Cornstarch: For a crispy crust, cornstarch is best. Arrowroot powder is a great substitute if you need a corn-free option. Try using a little flour for a different texture.
How Can I Get My Tofu Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about moisture control! Here’s how to achieve it:
- **Press the Tofu:** Before slicing, press the tofu to remove excess water. This step is crucial so your sticks can become crispy, not soggy.
- **Coat Thoroughly:** After marinating the tofu, make sure to coat each stick well with cornstarch. This will ensure a crunchy exterior when baked.
- **Maintain Space on the Baking Sheet:** Arrange the tofu sticks in a single layer without overcrowding. This helps them crisp up evenly.
- **Flip Halfway:** Turn the tofu sticks during baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Following these tips will help you achieve that satisfying crunch in every bite of your baked tofu sticks!
Crispy Baked Tofu Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Peanut sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (for serving)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have delicious crispy baked tofu sticks ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
2. Press the Tofu:
Next, you want to get rid of excess moisture from the tofu. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object, like a skillet, on top. Let it press for about 15 minutes.
3. Slice the Tofu:
Once pressed, slice the tofu into sticks that are about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long. This helps them cook evenly!
4. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, maple syrup or honey, and smoked paprika or garlic powder until everything is well combined.
5. Marinate the Tofu:
Toss the sliced tofu sticks in the marinade gently, ensuring every piece is coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes on the countertop to soak in all that flavor.
6. Coat with Cornstarch:
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu sticks and toss again until they are well coated. This step is key for achieving that crispy texture!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated tofu sticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top for added flavor and crunch.
8. Bake:
Now, pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the tofu sticks halfway through so they brown evenly. They should be golden and crispy when they’re done!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the tofu sticks out of the oven and let them cool slightly. This will help them crisp up even more!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your crispy baked tofu sticks with peanut sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead of Extra-Firm Tofu?
No, it’s best to stick with extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Silken tofu is too soft and won’t hold its shape, resulting in mushy sticks instead of crispy ones.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade. Alternatively, you can serve the tofu sticks with a spicy dipping sauce to kick things up a notch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the tofu and marinate it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the marinated tofu in the fridge and bake right before you plan to serve for maximum crispiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
