Looking for a quick and flavorful way to use the tofu? Then make this Indian-spiced oven-baked tofu that turns plain tofu into a delicious, protein-rich side dish.
This Indian tofu dish is versatile, kid-approved, and fits perfectly in lunch boxes. With just pantry spices and a short baking time, you'll have a nourishing dish ready for salads, curries, or as a snack on its own.
Flavorful, Crispy, and Simple
The slow baking step makes the tofu cubes golden and slightly crisp without drying them out. A light coating of rice flour helps the spices stick well and creates a crunchy layer. You can even swap rice flour with semolina for extra crispness, though it won't be gluten-free.
I often keep a mix of these spices handy, so this dish comes together in minutes. Just like my roasted Indian veggies or roasted chickpeas, this baked tofu has become a go-to for busy weekdays.
Sometimes I even use leftover spice mix for roasted butternut squash; it works beautifully in a variety of roasted dishes.
Happy Cooking!
-Sravanthi
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Add tofu cubes, spices, rice flour, and oil to a baking tray.
Step 2: Toss to coat. Add 1 tablespoon water if needed.
Step 3: Spread cubes in a single layer and bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on desired texture. Serve warm or pack into lunch boxes.
Serving Tips
At home, I love packing these baked tofu cubes in lunch boxes for my kids. They enjoy them as finger food, while I like adding them to quick salads for an extra protein boost. Here are some more ways to enjoy:
- Serve as an appetizer with my avocado cilantro sauce or spicy guacamole. These dips make the tofu cubes irresistible for gatherings.
- Toss baked tofu cubes with fresh veggies or pair with kachumber salad for a hearty bowl. Skip the cucumber and mix it with my Indian tomato salad for a juicy side dish.
- Replace plain paneer or tofu with these spiced tofu cubes in any recipe from my tofu and paneer side dishes collection.
- Add to rice or grain bowls for a filling lunch. I often mix them in Indian spinach rice for school lunch.
- Mix into wraps or rolls with chutneys for a portable snack. For a gluten-free option, try red lentil wraps. On busy nights, I use leftover chapati to make quick rolls.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below to save this recipe for later. I’ll send it to your inbox, along with simple Indian vegetarian recipes to make everyday cooking easier.
I'd love to know how you enjoy this Indian spiced oven-baked tofu in your kitchen! Do you serve it as a side or sneak it into curries? Try more ideas from my tofu and paneer side dishes collection and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Recipe
Indian Spiced Oven-Baked Tofu
Rate this recipe by clicking the stars!
Ingredients
- 7 oz extra firm tofu
- 1 teaspoon rice flour
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 3 teaspoon oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more if needed. I used ½ tsp.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess water.
- Cut it into even cubes.
- Place the tofu cubes in a baking tray.7 oz extra firm tofu
- Add all the spice powders, oil, and rice flour. Toss gently so the cubes are evenly coated.1 teaspoon rice flour, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon coriander powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, 3 teaspoon oil, ¼ teaspoon salt
- If the spices feel too dry, add a teaspoon of water to help them stick. Spread the cubes in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes for soft tofu or 30 minutes for firmer cubes.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving, as they firm up further as they rest.
Notes
- Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of water to help the spices stick well.
- Roast for 20 minutes for soft tofu or 30 minutes for firmer cubes.
- Rice flour makes tofu crisp; semolina works too, but is not gluten-free.
- Allow tofu to cool slightly; it firms up as it rests.
- Pair this baked tofu with kachumber salad for a refreshing, protein-packed meal.
Save This Recipe for Later
Enter your email below, and I'll send this recipe straight to your inbox. You'll also get simple Indian vegetarian recipes and practical cooking ideas from my kitchen.
Nutrition
Save this recipe on Pinterest so you'll always have it handy when you need a quick idea.
If you find my kitchen-tested tips helpful, click the button to see more of my recipes first when you search on Google!
Leave a Reply