Easy Ponzu Baked Tofu Recipe: Crispy and Flavorful Protein 💪🍊

Baked Tofu with a Ponzu Marinade

chopsticks and ponzu baked tofu

This Easy Ponzu Baked Tofu is a fantastic recipe that delivers cubes of tofu that are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

The short prep time makes it great for busy people, with the main flavor coming from a simple, tangy ponzu-based marinade.

The dish is versatile—it makes a tasty appetizer on its own or can be the protein-rich star of a healthy, balanced meal.

While the tofu needs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, the flavor becomes extra special when you plan ahead and marinate it overnight!

Baking the tofu on parchment paper ensures a perfect texture and makes cleanup incredibly easy.

This recipe uses a blend of classic Asian condiments and fresh aromatics to create a bright, tangy, and savory marinade.

Ponzu Sauce: A classic Japanese condiment that is typically a combination of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and citrus, giving it a bright and tangy flavor.
Dark Soy Sauce: Used instead of regular or light soy sauce for its richer umami flavor and slightly less salty profile. It is generally preferred for marinading.

Fresh Garlic: Adds a wonderful, savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic is the first choice, but jarred minced garlic can be substituted.
Fresh Ginger Root: Gives the tofu a nice, spicy kick. A handy tip for preparation is to scrape the skin off the oddly shaped root pieces with the side of a spoon before mincing.

Choosing the right tofu and preparing it correctly is crucial for achieving a great texture.

Tofu Type: Use Extra Firm Tofu. This type holds its shape best when cut into cubes, which is essential for baking.
Preparation: Simply drain the tofu block, cut it into cubes, and place it directly into a bowl to receive the marinade.
Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum to infuse flavor, marinating the cubes overnight in the refrigerator will result in a deeper, more special flavor.

Proper baking technique is what creates the desirable crispy exterior.

Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Use Parchment Paper: Cover your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up super easy.
Placement: Use tongs to arrange the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer on the parchment paper.
Baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes, making sure to turn the cubes over halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy.

Prep Tofu: Drain the tofu block and cut it into cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl.
Make Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ponzu sauce, dark soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Marinate: Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes and let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange: Use tongs to place the marinated tofu on the parchment paper in a single layer.
Cook: Bake for 20-25 minutes, making sure to turn the cubes over halfway through the cooking time.
Serve: Enjoy the crispy, flavorful tofu as a light appetizer or add it to a stir fry, salad, or other main dish.

This recipe is an easy way to elevate simple tofu into a delicious, satisfying, and protein-packed component of any meal!