You are going to just love this recipe for lemongrass and ginger tofu! Even if you aren't a tofu fan - and believe me, I have been experimenting on the biggest 'tofu-doubter' out there!! Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and full of flavor, no bland tofu here!
Truly Crispy Baked Lemongrass and Ginger Tofu
This crispy tofu is super simple to put together.
A quick press of the tofu, an easy marinade, and then just bake bake bake.
It does have to bake for a bit (40 mins), but hey, that gives you enough time to get everything else ready and tidy the kitchen.
Is there anything better than eating dinner knowing that the cleaning up has already been done?
Maybe it's just me, but I find it to be a feeling of pure bliss.
TIP: if you don't have a tofu press, simply put a clean dishtowel or kitchen paper on top and on the bottom of the tofu, add a heavy chopping board on top, and allow it to sit for a while.
Ingredients
Although full of flavor, we like to keep the ingredients pretty simple here.
You are going to need:
- firm or super firm tofu: do not use soft or medium tofu here, it will not crisp up and it will be too soft to press out enough water without it falling apart;
- pure maple syrup: yuo can sub in some honey, or other liquid sweetener of chice if preferred;
- tamari: yu can sub regular soy sauce if prefered. Just be mindful of ingredients if you need this to be gluten-free, and also be mindful of the saltiness of the soy sauce;
- finely chopped fresh lemongrass: I prefer use fresh lemongrass, and always have some growing in the garden, so it is readily available. In some places it can be hard to source though, so feel free to use the pre-prepared stuff in jars in the Asian section, or the squuezey tubes found in the fridge in the veggie section;
- fresh ginger: again, I always reccomend using the fresh stuff, but you can also use the squeezey tube version found in the fridge in the veggie section of the grocery store;
- garlic: I use fresh, but the pre-prepared stuff works well also. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch if necessary;
- avocado oil: feel free to sub with another cooking oil of choice.
Tofu Tips
If you can find super-firm tofu, you will be able to get away without pressing it, as most of the liquid will have already been removed.
If you can't for the life of you find it without having to drive like an hour away (me), then grab some firm-tofu, but please, please, please make sure you press it.
I can't stress enough how important it is to press firm tofu.
Basically you need as much water as possible to come out as possible so that the tofu can soak up the yummy marinade and get crispy in the oven.
You don't even need a tofu press, I just use a huge super heavy chopping board.
But a big pot, or something equally heavy, would work just as well.
How To Serve Crispy Tofu
Now you have the yummy crispy lemongrass and ginger tofu, what are you going to serve it with?
Glad you asked.
Why not try:
- serve with some brown rice, extra tamari, sliced spring onions and black sesame seeds for a complete meal;
- throw the cooked tofu into a stir-fry with lots of veggies and serve with noodles or rice;
- add to the top of an Asian inspired salad;
- for something different why not add to an Asian inspired sandwich or wrap.
Storing and Freezing
Cooked ginger tofu stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
It will likely lose its crispiness though, so if you would like to serve it crispy I find it best to either give it a quick fry in a saucepan or pop it into the air fryer for about 4 minutes.
Cooked tofu does not freeze well as the texture will change and become dense and chewy.
For this reason, I do not recommend freezing.
This can be made ahead of time and used throughout the week in various meals.
Need More Tofu Recipes?
Once you get into tofu, you will realize how versatile of an ingredient it is, and start adding it to a lot more meals.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Spicy Chipotle Tofu Burrito Bowl
- Spicy Peanut Noodles with Crispy Tofu and Green Beans
- Crunchy Noodle Salad with Crispy Tofu and Cabbage
- Crispy Asian Baked Tofu
Happy Eating
xx
Recipe
Truly Crispy Baked Lemongrass and Ginger Tofu
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Ingredients
- 1 lb extra firm or super firm tofu
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass or the prepared lemongrass
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- If you are using extra firm tofu then be sure to press first (see notes). Once pressed, slice the tofu into ¼ inch thin strips. Spray a large shallow baking dish, or a baking tray with non-stick spray ()I use fractionated coconut spray. Lie the tofu strips flat in the dish
- Combine the maple syrup, tamari, lemongrass, ginger, garlic and avocado oil in a glass jar, pop on the lid and shake well to combine. Pour the marinade over the tofu strips, and allow to sit for 15 minutes
- Pop the tofu in the oven for 20 mins, take out and flip, and bake for 15 mins. The strips should be golden
- Serve warm or can be chilled and served cold
Kabe says
My husband and I LOVE tofu, and this was absolutely perfect with some steamed rice and stir-fried bok choy on the side. My only change was adding a bit more garlic (we have an addiction) and swapping in sesame oil, since I had it and it's so lovely.
I would probably eat a human foot if you cooked it in ginger and lemongrass ... but my mom, who wrinkles her nose at the mere thought of tofu, tried a bite and ASKED FOR ANOTHER! Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Donna1 says
Oh I am so glad it worked for you and you loved it Kabe!! Haha we eat so much garlic, and I actually add a heap more to every recipe a publish, but I just tone it down for the published version as I know not everyone is addicted as us (my husband is Lebanese and literally are up eating raw cloves of garlic to prevent colds)! Thanks for much for taking the time to pop back and let me know, and you gave me a good wee laugh at the human foot comment 🙂
CourtneyLynne says
Omg this tofu sounds absolutely delicious!!!! I love ginger so I will have to give this a try! Yum!
Donna1 says
I hope you love it if you give it a try 🙂
Krystle Cook says
I haven't tried a lot of recipes when it comes to tofu, but I wouldn't be one to rule it out. I love the taste of the recipes that I have tried, so I look forward to trying something new.
Donna1 says
I hope you do!! Once you get tofu right, it is delicious 🙂
Yona Williams says
I have never had tofu before, and I'm a little curious about it. If I were to try it, I'd be more open to try it when it incorporates flavors like ginger and lemongrass. This looks good.
Donna1 says
You should definitely give it a go! I was dubious about tofu for years, but now I love it 🙂
Natali says
I don't like Tofu. I remember trying plain ones in Japn. But! I trust you, this actually looks amazkng.
Donna1 says
Oh I am with you Natali, I am not a fan of plain tofu. Thats why I squeeze as much liquid out of there as possible so it soaks in all the marinade and becomes delicious 🙂
Rachel says
That looks incredible! I love tofu so this is a must try for me. It would make a great lunch.
Donna1 says
It does! I actually make a big batch and store it in the fridge - it works well in asian inspired sandwiches, or on top of your salad for lunch 🙂
Jessica {Swanky Recipes} says
Such a huge fan of tofu and I'm always looking for new recipe to use it in. Love the fresh ingredients and how simple this recipe is to prepare. Great for a busy weeknight dinner!
Donna1 says
I agree Jessica 🙂
Reesa Lewandowski says
This looks really delicious! I have never cooked tofu before! This might be a good first try!
Donna1 says
Oh you should definitely try it out! I remember I was dubious for years as I never really knew what to do with it, but once I figured it out I loved it 🙂
Louise Bishop says
Thankfully, my kids are all for tofu. Unfortunately, I'm not but they would love this meal!
Donna1 says
Haha, it is not for everyone 🙂 My kids love it as well, especially if I make it look like little nuggets and give the some dipping sauce with it
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
This sounds like a perfect and refreshing summer dinner! I love the added tips for using tofu, foreign to many!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Cynthia 🙂
Carolyn says
I have never made tofu before but this dish looks and sounds amazing. I just may have to try and make it for the first time.
Donna1 says
You should definitely try it out!! The marinade makes it
tp keane says
I only discovered recently that Tofu is more pleasant when marinated in a lovely sauce. Must try this one out.
Donna1 says
Oh yes, It is all about the sauce when it comes to tofu!! Some people like it plain, but I need it with a good marinade first
Cathy M says
Mmm this sounds divine!! Definitely sharing this to Pinterest to try and save so I can make it later! 😀
Blythe Alpern says
I'm a huge fan of lemongrass and ginger. They add so much flavor to a dish. Can't wait to make this next time I have stirfry.
Donna1 says
It is the best combination isn't it!!
Terri Steffes says
This looks and sounds so good. I don't cook with lemongrass often, but I definitely want to give this a try!
Donna1 says
I love lemongrass, but it's one of those ingredients I always forget about. Then when I remember we have lemongrass everything for like a week 🙂
Wendy says
This looks and sounds so good! It totally makes me wish that soy didn't mess me up so bad. Love tempeh and tofu!
Donna1 says
Thank you Wendy 🙂 Sorry soy doesn't work well with you!!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
That sounds seriously delicious. I have actually never had tofu before, but this sounds like a great start.
Donna1 says
I don't think I had ever tried tofu (intentionally) until I was in my twenties! Love it now 🙂 This is definitely a good start, it tastes kinda like crispy chicken (at least thats what I tell my kids it is and they lap it up 🙂 )
Jenn says
Sounds amazing! I have been on such a tofu kick lately. In fact, I've got another recipe coming tomorrow using baked tofu (assuming I get the post together in time). I don't understand the tofu-haters...they just haven't made it the right way!
Donna1 says
Oh yum, I just popped over to check out your new tofu post, and it sounds absolutely delicious!! You know, before I figured out how to prepare it, I really wasn't a fan of tofu - now that I have figured out how to prepare it properly it's a whole other story 🙂