Tofu Bites Recipe

If you’ve ever doubted that tofu could pack a flavorful punch, get ready to have your mind blown by these crispy, tangy tofu bites drizzled with a luscious ginger-lime sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more!

These delectable tofu bites are hard to resist. Their flavor is wonderfully well-balanced between savory and sweet.

They are made from firm tofu, but they are really packed with flavor. Soy sauce is their magic ingredient, and a hint of sesame oil and the touch of maple syrup combined with fresh lime juice really makes them pop.

They’re not just mouthwatering; they’re nutritious, too. Green onions and sesame seeds make a perfect garnish.

And tofu is one all-star ingredient.

Ingredients

• Firm Tofu: High in protein and low in calories.

  Provides a meaty texture.

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor.

  Low in calories but high in sodium.

• Sesame Oil: Rich in healthy fats.

  Enhances flavor with a nutty aroma.

• Maple Syrup/Honey: Natural sweeteners.

  Balances savory flavors.

• Lime Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus tang.

  Rich in Vitamin C.

• Garlic: Enhances flavor.

  Offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and a spicy kick.

  Aids digestion.

Ingredient Quantities

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Slice the drained tofu into small cubes and put them aside.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.

3. Gently place the tofu cubes in the marinade and turn to coat them well. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up while you prepare the cookies. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

5. Take the tofu out of the marinade and put it in a different bowl. Over the tofu cubes, sprinkle the cornstarch, and toss the tofu cubes gently until all sides are lightly coated.

6. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Preheat the oven, then bake the tofu bites for 25 – 30 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through, until brown and crispy.

8. As the tofu bakes, take the leftover marinade and put it in a small saucepan. Heat the marinade over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-5 minutes, and you will notice that it has thickened slightly.

9. After you finish cooking the tofu, take the bites and put them onto a serving platter. Next, get the marinade you reduced and drizzle it over the tofu bites.

10. Before serving, chop the green onions and sesame seeds and use them to garnish your tasty tofu bites. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Big mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Small bowl
6. Cookie sheet
7. Parchment paper
8. Small saucepan
9. Serving platter
10. Spoon or tongs (for turning tofu cubes)

FAQ

• Can I use another type of tofu instead of firm tofu?Indeed, this recipe can employ extra-firm tofu, but steer clear of soft or silken tofu because the latter types can’t hold a form.
• What is the best way to press tofu?Tofu can hold a lot of water, but it can also be very dry. To deal with this, you need to press the tofu so that it contains the right amount of moisture for your next step.

  This is how to do it: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet, on top for at least 15-20 minutes.

• Can I use a different oil instead of sesame oil?Substituting sesame oil is absolutely possible, but the oil you use will not impart the same earthy, nutty flavor as sesame oil. If you have it, try using either toasted sesame oil (for even more color and flavor) or regular sesame oil, which Taiwan’s home cooks swear by. Next, you’ll want to season the chicken; here, again, we use soy sauce, but if you want to keep this dish gluten-free, a half cup of broth can work in a pinch.
• Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?Make this recipe gluten-free by using soy sauce or tamari that is free of gluten.
• Can I bake the tofu bites instead of frying them?You can indeed bake the tofu bites at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they are evenly crisped.
• How can I make this dish spicier?To amp up the heat, increase the quantity of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• What are some good serving suggestions for tofu bites?Offer them right before a meal, on a bed of rice or some slippery, long noodles, or toss them into a salad for an immediate protein punch!

Tofu Bites Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For tamari or coconut aminos, use them in place of soy sauce.
To replace sesame oil:
peanut oil or sunflower oil.
When substituting for cornstarch, use arrowroot powder or potato starch.
In place of olive oil, use grapeseed oil or avocado oil.
For lime juice: substitute with lemon juice or rice vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. Pressing Tofu Efficiently Ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth, and set a heavy object on top (such as a cast-iron skillet) for about 15-30 minutes for the best texture and flavor absorption.

2. Flavorful Marinade For deeper flavor penetration, consider marinating the tofu for longer, up to a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the tofu to absorb more of the marinade, enhancing its taste.

3. Cornstarch Application To achieve an even crispier exterior, after coating the tofu cubes with cornstarch, let them sit for about 5 minutes before baking. This allows the cornstarch to adhere better and form a crisper crust.

4. Optimal Baking Ensure that the tofu cubes are spaced apart on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around each piece. This helps them crisp up evenly instead of steaming.

5. Final Sauce Touch When reducing the leftover marinade, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Add a tablespoon of water if necessary to adjust consistency, particularly if it thickens too much while simmering.