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Crispy Baked Lemon Pepper Tofu with Tangy Lemon Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 20 reviews

This crispy baked lemon pepper tofu is a simple and delicious vegan dinner that the whole family will love. It features perfectly baked tofu cubes coated in a flavorful lemon pepper seasoning and a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Naturally gluten free and easy to prepare, it's an excellent meal served alongside steamed vegetables and rice.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 1 (16 ounce) block extra firm tofu
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup gluten free breadcrumbs (substitute regular if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

Sauce

  • Juice and zest from 1 lemon
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the tofu.
  2. Prepare Tofu: Remove the tofu from its package and drain off any excess liquid. Cut the block into 1-inch cubes and place them into a mixing bowl.
  3. Coat Tofu: Toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce or tamari to add flavor. Then sprinkle the cornstarch over them and gently toss again to coat. Follow by adding the gluten free breadcrumbs and lemon pepper seasoning, tossing until all pieces are evenly coated.
  4. Bake Tofu: Arrange the coated tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced out. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tofu turns golden brown and crispy.
  5. Make Sauce: While the tofu bakes, whisk together all the sauce ingredients—lemon juice and zest, vegetable broth, honey or maple syrup, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch—in a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat to thicken further if needed.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once the tofu is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer the tofu to a bowl and toss it gently with the prepared lemon pepper sauce. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables for a balanced meal.

Notes

  • The cornstarch in the recipe can be substituted with arrowroot or tapioca starch as alternatives.
  • For a grain-free option, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour, noting that this may slightly alter the texture.
  • Ensure the tofu is extra firm to get the best crispy texture after baking.
  • Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to desired sweetness.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Gluten Free