Baked Tofu Nuggets
2 min readWhile these make excellent appetizers to dip in hoisin and other savory sauces, you can also use this basic recipe whenever plain baked tofu is required. Feel free to toss the tofu with your favorite spices—such as Chinese five-spice, cumin, or fennel—before baking, or your favorite herbs—such as cilantro, basil, or chives—after baking.
MAKES 6 TO 8 APPETIZER SERVINGS OR 4 MAIN DISH SERVINGS
1 pound extra-firm tofu, drained
1⁄2 tablespoon canola oil
1⁄2 tablespoon toasted (dark) sesame oil
Salt, to taste (optional)
Hoisin Sauce, Quick Spicy Hoisin Sauce prepared hoisin, or other favorite dipping sauce, to serve
1⁄2 tablespoon canola oil 1⁄2 tablespoon toasted (dark) sesame oil Salt, to taste (optional) Hoisin Sauce, Quick Spicy Hoisin Sauce , prepared hoisin, or other favorite dipping sauce, to serve
Place the tofu on a deep-sided plate or shallow bowl. Top with a second plate and weight with a heavy can. Let stand for a minimum of 15 minutes (preferably 1 hour). Drain off the excess water. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400F (205C). Lightly oil a baking sheet and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the canola oil and sesame oil. Add the tofu cubes and salt, if using, tossing well to thoroughly coat. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake until golden brown and crisp, 35 to 40 minutes, turning the tofu halfway through cooking time. Serve warm, with the hoisin sauce passed separately for dipping.
{PER SERVING} (without sauce) Calories 78 • Protein 6g • Total Fat 6g • Sat Fat 1g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 1g • Dietary Fiber 1g • Sodium 5mg
