Kid Friendly Baked Tofu
Whenever I think about meals that the whole family can love, the Kid Friendly Baked Tofu comes to mind. It’s become a staple in our house, especially on those busy weeknights when I need to whip something up quickly that’s both satisfying and nutritious. I remember the first time I served this dish; my kids were skeptical at first, but after just one bite, they couldn’t get enough! The crispy texture combined with the savory flavor made it a hit. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serving it with rice, noodles, or just on its own makes it a fun option for everyone.
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
20 mins
30 mins
Medium
180 kcal
12 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
9 g
Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet, Oven, Mixing Bowl
What We Adore About This Kid Friendly Baked Tofu
Healthy and Nutritious
The Kid Friendly Baked Tofu is packed with protein, making it a great alternative to meat. Not only does it provide essential nutrients, but it’s also low in calories, which is a bonus for anyone trying to keep things light. When you choose ingredients like this, you’ll feel good knowing you’re nourishing your family with wholesome food.
Kid-Approved Flavor
Let’s face it, convincing kids to eat healthy can be a challenge. However, the flavors in this dish are so delightful that even the pickiest eaters will want seconds! The combination of spices and the crispy exterior of the tofu makes it almost irresistible. It’s a delightful surprise to see them enjoy something so healthy!
Quick and Easy to Prepare
With a prep time of just 20 minutes, the Kid Friendly Baked Tofu fits perfectly into a busy weeknight meal schedule. You simply press the tofu, season it, and bake it. What’s not to love about a recipe that allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner as a family?
Fun for Everyone
Cooking can be a fun activity for kids, and this recipe allows for plenty of engagement. Letting them help with seasoning or tossing the tofu cubes can turn meal prep into a family bonding experience. Plus, they’ll feel proud to eat something they helped make!
Versatile and Customizable
This dish is incredibly versatile! Pair it with your family’s favorite sides or toss it in a stir-fry. You can even play around with different seasonings to suit your tastes. The Kid Friendly Baked Tofu can easily adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe in your culinary arsenal.
What’s In This Kid Friendly Baked Tofu
The ingredients for the Kid Friendly Baked Tofu come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both tasty and nutritious. The main star is, of course, the tofu, which acts as a fantastic canvas for flavors. Alongside some simple seasonings, this dish is a reminder that you don’t need many ingredients to create something delicious!
- Tofu: This is the main ingredient and a great source of plant-based protein. Make sure to choose extra firm tofu for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: Helps to achieve that crispy texture when baking the tofu, while also adding flavor.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient is key to getting the tofu crispy. It creates a wonderful crust during the baking process.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a nice depth of flavor without the need for fresh garlic, making it easier to prepare.
- Ginger: A hint of warmth and spice to elevate the dish. Ground ginger is convenient and mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the delicious flavors in the dish.
Directions for Kid Friendly Baked Tofu
Getting started with the Kid Friendly Baked Tofu is simple and enjoyable. Just follow these steps and watch your dish come to life!
- Begin by placing a clean, absorbent dish towel on a plate. Take the tofu and drain it, then cut it into 2 to 3 large slabs. Lay the slabs on the towel, and drape a second towel on top of the tofu. Place a heavy cutting board on top to press the remaining liquid out. Let this rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture and helps achieve that crispy texture.
- While the tofu is resting, preheat your oven to 400 F. If you’re using a convection oven, preheat it to 375 F. Preheating is important to ensure that your tofu cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown finish.
- After pressing the tofu, cut it into even cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat the cubes. Ensure each piece is well-covered, as this will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Next, sprinkle the cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and salt over the tofu. Toss gently again until all the cubes are thoroughly coated with the seasonings. This will add a burst of flavor and help create that delicious crust.
- Spread the seasoned tofu cubes evenly on a light-colored cookie sheet. A light sheet helps you monitor the browning of the tofu as it cooks. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tofu for 15 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on them and not overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook properly.
- After 15 minutes, carefully turn the cubes over using tongs, ensuring they get crispy on all sides. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the tofu is crispy and golden-brown. You’ll know they’re done when they have that beautiful golden hue and a delightful crunch.
- Once baked, remove the tofu from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the crispy tofu immediately alongside rice, noodles, or your favorite stir-fried veggies. It’s wonderful to enjoy right away!
Things Worth Knowing
- Pressing the Tofu: This technique helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb flavors better and crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Choosing Tofu: For the best results, use extra firm tofu. Soft tofu will not hold its shape and may become mushy.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tofu in the last few minutes of baking. Ovens vary, and you want to avoid overcooking.
- Storage: Leftover baked tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Customization Ideas
If you’re looking to make the Kid Friendly Baked Tofu your own, here are some tips to consider. You can play with flavors and pairings to suit your family’s tastes!
- Storage: Leftover baked tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked and pressed tofu for later use. Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Pairing: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, making it suitable for lunch or dinner.
- Flavor Variants: Feel free to experiment with different spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for a kick.
- Serving Options: Serve it over rice, toss it into a stir-fry, or add it to a grain bowl for a complete meal.
Side Dish Ideas for Kid Friendly Baked Tofu
When serving the Kid Friendly Baked Tofu, there are plenty of side dishes that complement this crispy delight perfectly. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli adds a lovely green element and pairs well with the tofu.
- Fried Rice: A side of fried rice with veggies is an excellent way to enjoy tofu as part of a heartier meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- Stir-Fried Veggies: Toss some of your favorite vegetables in a wok for a quick and delicious side.
- Homemade Noodles: Serve the tofu over homemade noodles tossed in soy sauce for a comforting dinner.
- Spring Rolls: Add fresh spring rolls as a side for a fun and interactive meal.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Kid Friendly Baked Tofu is a delightful combination of crispy texture and savory flavor, perfect for making healthy meals that are loved by all. I encourage you to try this recipe and see how easy it is to whip up a family-friendly dish that satisfies both kids and adults. It’s a wonderful way to introduce plant-based options into your meals without sacrificing taste, and I bet it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Kid Friendly Baked Tofu
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu Extra firm, prepared with nigari
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Ginger Ground
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Begin by placing a clean, absorbent dish towel on a plate. Take the tofu and drain it, then cut it into 2 to 3 large slabs. Lay the slabs on the towel, and drape a second towel on top of the tofu. Place a heavy cutting board on top to press the remaining liquid out. Let this rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture and helps achieve that crispy texture.
- While the tofu is resting, preheat your oven to 400 F. If you’re using a convection oven, preheat it to 375 F. Preheating is important to ensure that your tofu cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown finish.
- After pressing the tofu, cut it into even cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat the cubes. Ensure each piece is well-covered, as this will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Next, sprinkle the cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and salt over the tofu. Toss gently again until all the cubes are thoroughly coated with the seasonings. This will add a burst of flavor and help create that delicious crust.
- Spread the seasoned tofu cubes evenly on a light-colored cookie sheet. A light sheet helps you monitor the browning of the tofu as it cooks. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tofu for 15 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on them and not overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook properly.
- After 15 minutes, carefully turn the cubes over using tongs, ensuring they get crispy on all sides. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the tofu is crispy and golden-brown. You’ll know they’re done when they have that beautiful golden hue and a delightful crunch.
- Once baked, remove the tofu from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the crispy tofu immediately alongside rice, noodles, or your favorite stir-fried veggies. It’s wonderful to enjoy right away!
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover baked tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze uncooked and pressed tofu for later use. Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Tip 3: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, making it suitable for lunch or dinner.
- Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for a kick.
- Tip 5: Serve it over rice, toss it into a stir-fry, or add it to a grain bowl for a complete meal.
