Baked Lemon-Ginger Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze
Firm tofu baked until golden and infused with a tangy lemon and ginger marinade, finished with a sticky, spicy soy glaze highlighting sour and umami flavors. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, grated fresh ginger, low sodium soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz block, pressed and sliced into 1/2-inch slabs firm tofu
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp for garnish toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp for garnish chopped scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 14 oz pressed tofu slices and marinate for 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Step 2: Remove tofu from marinade and lightly dust each slab with 2 tbsp cornstarch, shaking off excess. Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tofu edges are golden and slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp sriracha sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until thickened and syrupy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove tofu from oven and brush generously with the spicy soy glaze. Return to oven for 5 more minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped scallions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lemon-Ginger Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Lemon-Ginger Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Ginger Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Lemon-Ginger Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Lemon-Ginger Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.