This Soy and Maple Marinated Tofu is an easy, flavorful protein that's perfect for meal prep, bowls, salads, and wraps. The tofu soaks up a sweet and savory marinade, then bakes to chewy, delicious perfection. No frying or complicated steps required.
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Unlike crispy or saucy tofu recipes, this marinated baked tofu is tender and chewy, making it perfect for tossing into bowls, layering on salads, or prepping ahead for the week.
The simple soy and maple marinade adds plenty of flavor while keeping the tofu versatile enough to be an everyday protein you can rely on.
Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful maple soy marinade that makes this tofu simple and versatile enough for bowls, salads, stir-fries, and wraps.
Extra-Firm Tofu: Press to remove excess water so it absorbs the marinade and bakes perfectly chewy and golden.
Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami flavor. Low-sodium works best to control salt.
Maple Syrup: A bit of sweetness will help balance the flavors and help caramelize the outside of the tofu.
Rice Vinegar: Brightens the flavors.
Chili Sauce or Sriracha: Optional but adds mild heat. Adjust to your spice preference. I recommend Sambal Oelek or Sriracha.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and black pepper adds flavor. Feel free to add more or less depending on what you're serving the tofu with!
Helpful Equipment
You don't need much for this recipe, just a few basics like a large baking sheet, mixing bowl, and whisk.
A tofu press is completely optional but makes pressing tofu quick and easy. If you don't have one, the DIY method works just as well.
I recommend this tofu press from Tofuture.
How to Make This Recipe
This baked tofu is packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make!
The simple soy sauce and maple marinade soaks into every bite, giving it a sweet and savory taste that works perfectly in a wide variety of different dishes.
It's a hands-off recipe that's ideal for meal prep and adds a reliable protein to any plant-based meal!
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes. Then, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a shallow bowl or dish.
Step 2: Add in all the marinade ingredients.
Step 3: Toss gently to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes or overnight.
Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu cubes in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the tofu is golden and firm.
Enjoy the tofu right away in bowls, salads, wraps, or as a snack.
Note: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onion, or a drizzle of extra sauce for added flavor!
Serving Ideas
Grain bowls: Add the baked tofu to grain bowls with brown rice or quinoa, mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful sauce for a quick, balanced meal.
Stir-fries: Add cubes of baked tofu to your favorite stir-fry with vegetables and a tasty sauce like a vegan teriyaki sauce or a homemade stir-fry sauce.
Sandwiches: Serve on sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and your favorite condiments. It's especially delicious in a Banh Mi.
Rice paper rolls: Cut the tofu into strips and use it in fresh vegan rice paper rolls with vegetables and herbs for a light lunch or dinner.
Salads: Add marinated tofu to salads with mixed greens, chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Noodle dishes: Stir baked tofu into noodle dishes like Pad Thai, ramen, or an udon noodle stir fry for a filling, flavorful dinner.
Substitutions & Variations
If you don't want to use tofu, you can use tempeh instead!
If you're gluten-free use gluten-free tamari.
Maple syrup: Agave syrup will work as well. You can increase the maple syrup slightly for a sweeter glaze.
Make it spicier: Add even more chili sauce or additional red chili flakes.
Tips & Tricks
Tofu can get a bad rap for being bland, but these tips will help make it flavorful and delicious every time!
Press the tofu well: Remove excess water before marinating so the tofu soaks up more flavor. A tofu press works best, or wrap it in a clean towel and place something heavy on top.
Marinate longer for more flavor: Let the tofu sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes, or a few hours in the fridge for deeper flavor. Turn the pieces occasionally to coat evenly.
Bake evenly: Arrange the tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure each piece cooks evenly.
Adjust seasoning if needed: Taste your marinade and tweak it before baking. Add a little more maple syrup for sweetness, chili sauce for heat, or spices to suit your preference.
Storage
One of the best things about this flavorful marinated tofu is how meal-prep friendly it is.
Storage: Store leftover baked tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Reheat: You can enjoy this tofu cold, or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Freeze: Freezing can change the texture of this tofu, so it's best to enjoy it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pressing the tofu and allowing it to marinate for as long as you have time for ensures it absorbs the most flavor!
Super-firm and extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe because it holds its shape but medium firm tofu will also work, just be a bit more fragile when tossing with marinade. Silken or soft tofu will not work well here.
Absolutely! This baked tofu stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Prepare a batch at the start of the week and add it to bowls, salads, wraps, or snacks as needed.
More Tofu Recipes
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Recipe
Soy and Maple Marinated Baked Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 Block Extra-Firm Tofu pressed
- 2 tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons Chili Sauce or Sriracha
- ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoons Ground Ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. You can use a tofu press or make a DIY press by wrapping the tofu in paper towels or a clean dishcloth, placing it in a shallow bowl, and stacking something heavy on top.
- Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in a shallow bowl or dish.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, chili sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the marinade over the tofu and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes or overnight.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu cubes in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the tofu is golden and firm.
- Enjoy the tofu right away in bowls, salads, wraps, or as a snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
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Chris says
Great flavor
Rachel F says
Great marinade! I use this all the time for my tofu. Love the sweet, salty combo with that little kick from the Sriracha. I had to sub with Frank's hot sauce last time. Went a little easier on it since it has that tang to it. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Liv says
That's great!! Thank you so much for leaving this kind review 🙂