Veggie Option's Baked Tofu

I know there are plenty of folks who claim they don't like tofu because of it's consistancy or blandness (or both), but the beauty of tofu is that it will take on any flavor you wish - you just need to create a tasty marinade for it. Here's one that I have adapted from a chicken marinade recipe. The longer the tofu is left to marinate, the better the flavor. I usually leave mine to marinate for a couple of days. Even my non-veggie friends love this one.

Veggie Option's Baked Tofu

Ingredients:
1 package firm or extra firm tofu
cooking spray

Marinade:
6 Tbs Braggs Liquid Aminos or tamari
1 tsp Spike or (1/8 tsp celery salt, 1/8 tsp thyme, 1/8 tsp sage and 1/8 tsp marjoram)
1 tsp ground coriander
1 Tbs dried onion flakes (or substitute 1 tsp onion powder)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
Nutritional yeast flakes for dusting

Coating mix:
1/4 Cup flour
1/4 Cup cornmeal
1/4 Cup nutritional yeast flakes
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper




Ingredients for Baked Tofu


1. Cut tofu into 1/2" strips and place in a wide, shallow dish.


2. Mix together marinade ingredients...


...and pour over tofu. Dust with nutritional yeast and chill, turning occasionally.


NOTE: Tofu should be marinated at least two hours, but can be left up to 48 hours.
3. Combine coating mix ingredients.
4. Preheat oven to 400F. Mist a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.



5. Dredge each piece of tofu in the coating mix...


...and place on the baking sheet.


6. Bake for 15 minutes; turn, and bake another 15 minutes. Enjoy!


Note: Once baked, tofu can be stored in refrigerator and reheated in the oven. For a crispier coating the tofu can be fried in a little oil instead of baked, but that adds a lot of unnecessary fat.

Click for printable recipe.