Lemon Garlic Roasted Tofu
Time
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Prep: 10–15 minutes
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Bake: 25–30 minutes
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Total: ~40 minutes
Servings
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3–4 servings
Ingredients
Tofu
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1 (14–16 oz / 400–450 g) block extra-firm tofu, pressed
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1 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness)
Lemon Garlic Marinade
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3 tbsp olive oil (or use aquafaba for oil-free)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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¾ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Tofu
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Press tofu 20–30 minutes
(or use a tofu press / weighted plate method) -
Cut into:
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Cubes for bowls
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Slabs for plates
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Triangles for wraps
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2. Preheat
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Oven: 400°F / 205°C
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Line a baking sheet with parchment
3. Make the Marinade
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Whisk all marinade ingredients in a bowl
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Taste → should be tangy, garlicky, slightly sweet
4. Marinate
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Toss tofu gently in marinade
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Let sit 10–30 minutes
(Longer = deeper flavor, but not required)
5. Crisp It
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Sprinkle cornstarch over tofu
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Toss gently until evenly coated
(This is the secret to crispy edges)
6. Roast
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Spread tofu in a single layer (no crowding!)
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Roast 15 minutes
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Flip pieces
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Roast another 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp
7. Optional Finish (Highly Recommended)
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Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning
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Or drizzle with fresh lemon juice + olive oil after baking
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill
Pro Tips
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Lemon zest = big flavor, don’t skip it
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Extra-firm tofu works best for roasting
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Cornstarch + high heat = crunch
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Flip carefully to keep coating intact
Variations
Oil-Free
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Replace oil with 3 tbsp aquafaba
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Increase cornstarch to 1½ tbsp
Mediterranean Style
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Add ½ tsp ground cumin
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Finish with olives + fresh oregano
Spicy Lemon Garlic
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Add 1 tsp chili paste or extra flakes
Air Fryer Method
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380°F / 195°C for 14–16 minutes
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Shake basket halfway
How to Serve
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Over quinoa or rice with roasted veggies
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In wraps with hummus and greens
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On salads with tahini or vegan tzatziki
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With your broccoli potato bake 👀
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: 4 days
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Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
