Author Notes
I don't make baked tofu all that much since I am usually the only one in my house who eats it, but I converted a few tofu disdainers with this recipe. The aerodynamic wedge shape is fun but rectangles will work. I like to pre-bake the tofu, to get a chewy texture and get rid of the moisture, that way the tofu soaks up more flavor. Flipping the pieces mid-bake helps maintain uniform chewiness. I like to triple this recipe when I make it because the method is a little time-consuming. The marinade is not vegan, but if I were to serve to vegans I would omit the fish sauce and double the amount of sesame oil. This is good on sandwiches or added to stir-fried vegetables or as a snack on its own. —Sadassa_Ulna
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Ingredients
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1
block firm tofu
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1/4 cup
soy sauce
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1 teaspoon
toasted sesame oil
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1 teaspoon
grated fresh ginger root
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1-1/2 teaspoons
brown sugar
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2
cloves garlic, minced or pressed
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1/4 teaspoon
sriracha ( or other "heat")
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1 tablespoon
Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry)
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1 tablespoon
rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon
fish sauce - for vegan recipe double amount of sesame oil
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lots of ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon
lemon juice
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.*
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Cut tofu crosswise into 8 slices; cut each slice into 3 wedges using an angled cut. Place the wedges on the sheet.
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Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the wedges and bake for another 15 minutes. (Meanwhile make the marinade by mixing remaining ingredients in a bowl). The wedges will look golden and the edges will be firm. Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
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Arrange wedges in a small baking pan (as small as you can without too much extra room). Pour marinade over all. Bake 40 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. The sauce will thicken a little as they cool.
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*This might seem wasteful but parchment paper can be re-used, just wipe it down with a towel after using. I re-use sheets until they get yellow at the edges and brittle. Go cheap and go green!
Growing up I was the world's pickiest eater, that is, until my children were born. Karma. Neither of my parents were much into cooking; it was the height of eating fat-free or anything with oat bran added. I taught myself some basics, mostly baking, following the guidelines of a well-worn copy of Joy of Cooking. I was a ballet dancer and a teacher suggested I lose weight. As I began reading about diet and nutrition I became interested in natural foods, which led to a job at a macrobiotic natural foods market in Center City Philadelphia; this was way before Whole Foods came to the area. I learned a lot about food in general. I ate strictly vegan for a while, although I don't now, but I still like it when a recipe can taste great without butter or bacon! In short, my approach to cooking is idiosyncratic, and I don't know very much about cooking meat or proper technique. I love to bake and I am still working on expanding my palate and my repertoire. The hardest part is getting the whole family to try new things!
So aside from my food status, I am an architect who likes to garden and play music. I'm married with two kids, and I hope to get a dog someday.
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