Chinese Spiced Baked Tofu

About

This Keto baked Chinese inspired tofu is smothered in a flavorsome marinade and a light coating of sesame seeds for added crunch. These diced tofu pieces make an excellent addition to vegan salads, or as part of a Chinese inspired main meal. This is a great way to prepare tofu if you are looking for an alternative to stir-frying.

Is Tofu Keto?

Tofu is a great Keto compliant option for those looking for a low carb source of vegan protein. Tofu can be prepared in a number of ways and enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced Keto diet. We have chosen to bake our Keto tofu to give it a crisp and caramelized coating, with a hint of sesame crunch. We have used an extra firm tofu which will need to be pressed before cooking to extract as much excess moisture as possible.

Serving Suggestions

This Keto baked tofu is perfect enjoyed as part of a Chinese inspired main for dinner or lunch. Why not try served with stir-fried low carb vegetables or a Chinese inspired cauliflower rice? These tofu pieces also make a great low carb snack or side option served with your favorite Chinese dipping sauce.

Ingredients

12 ounce tofu, raw (not silken), not cooked, extra firm, not drained
2 tablespoon, whole pieces sesame seeds
2 medium – 4 1/8" long scallions
2 teaspoon almond flour
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon tamari sauce
1 tablespoon maple flavored syrup by lakanto
1 teaspoon xantham gum gluten free by hodgson mill
1 teaspoon chinese five spice by the spice hunter
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Place the tofu on top of two thick sheets of kitchen paper on a plate or chopping board. Place a further two sheets of kitchen paper on top. Set a heavy weighted item, such as a skillet or tinned vegetables on top of the tofu. Set aside for 20 minutes. This will press the tofu, squeezing any excess liquid from the tofu block.
While the tofu is being pressed, you can prepare the coatings. Add the tamari sauce, maple-flavored syrup, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice and garlic powder to a mixing bowl. Stir together until smooth and well combined. You may adjust the spice seasoning as desired to suit your personal tastes.
To a separate bowl, add the almond flour, sesame seeds and xanthan gum. Stir well to combine. You may season with a little black pepper if desired but you should not need any salt as the tamari sauce will provide this.
Remove the tofu from under the weighted object and discard the kitchen paper. The paper should have soaked up a lot of excess liquid. Dice the tofu into 1 inch chunks. Add the diced tofu to the bowl with the tamari and maple spiced marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix, coating the tofu pieces evenly in the marinade. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly oil a shallow oven tray. Add the almond flour, xanthan gum and sesame seed mix to the bowl with the diced and marinated tofu. Use a spoon to mix well, lightly coating the tofu if the flour and seed mixture.
Arrange the prepared tofu in an even layer across the oiled oven tray. Transfer to the oven to bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the tofu cubes over and bake for a further 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden all over and crisp at the edges.
Roughly chop the scallions. Place the cooked tofu in a serving dish and add the chopped scallions. Toss to combine. Serve the tofu as desired with your favorite Chinese inspired Keto mains, sides or dipping sauces.