Crispy Ginger Tofu with Rice (Oven-Baked, No Frying)

Takeout taste, made in my own kitchen. The tofu goes in the oven instead of a pan of oil, and a light dusting of cornstarch is what makes it crisp. Then it gets tossed in my garlic-ginger glaze and piled around a scoop of rice with lots of green onions and a little sriracha.

The recipe

Time: 35 min Makes: 2 to 3 servings

Crispy tofu

• 1 block (14 to 16 oz / 400 to 450 g) extra-firm tofu, pressed 15 minutes

• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

• Pinch of salt

Garlic-ginger glaze

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 to 3 green onions: whites sliced for the sauce, greens cut in 1-inch pieces to finish

• 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1/2 to 1 tsp gochugaru or chili flakes

• 1/4 cup water mixed with 1 tsp cornstarch

To serve

• Cooked rice, brown or white

• Sriracha to drizzle

How to make it

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss with the cornstarch and a pinch of salt until every side is dusted.

3. Spread the cubes out with space between them. Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp.

4. While the tofu bakes, whisk the tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, chili and the water-cornstarch mix.

5. Warm the oil in a skillet over medium. Cook the garlic, ginger and green onion whites 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant.

6. Pour in the sauce and simmer 1 to 2 minutes until glossy. Turn off the heat, add the hot tofu and toss.

7. Pack rice into a cup and turn it out onto the plate. Spoon the tofu around it, scatter the green onion tops and drizzle with sriracha.

Tips

• Press the tofu well. Less water means a crispier outside.

• Toss the tofu in the glaze right before you eat so it stays crunchy.

• Start with 1/2 tsp chili if you're cooking for people who don't like heat. Sriracha at the table lets everyone choose.

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For general education only, not medical advice.