Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu

🥢 Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu 🥢

Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the earthy flavors of tofu with a medley of Asian-inspired seasonings. This tofu dish is known for its satisfying texture, bold flavors, and versatility in various Asian cuisines.

📜 History:
Tofu itself has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years to China, where it was discovered. While the specific history of Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu isn’t as well-documented, the practice of baking tofu with flavorful seasonings likely emerged in various Asian regions over time.

📦 Components:

• Tofu: The main ingredient is tofu, typically extra-firm tofu. It provides a creamy, neutral base for the flavors to soak into.
• Sauce/Marinade: Ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and various spices are commonly used to marinate the tofu.
• Additional Ingredients: Depending on the recipe, you can add vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or scallions, for extra flavor and texture.
• Sesame Seeds or Nuts: These are often sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

1. Preparation:

   • Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) on top. Leave it for about 30 minutes to press out the water.
   • While pressing the tofu, prepare the marinade. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and any other preferred seasonings like chili paste or rice vinegar.

2. Marinating:

   • After the tofu is pressed, cut it into cubes or slices. Place them in a dish and pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring all sides are coated.
   • Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating times (even overnight) will result in more flavorful tofu.

3. Baking:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Arrange the marinated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning the tofu pieces once during cooking to ensure even browning.

4. Optional Additions:

   • You can add your choice of vegetables during the baking process. Simply toss them in the marinade and bake alongside the tofu.

5. Finishing Touch:

   • Sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed nuts over the baked tofu for extra flavor and texture.

6. Serving:

   • Serve the Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu over rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor.

⏱️ Time Needed:

• Preparation: 15-20 minutes (plus pressing time)
• Marinating: At least 30 minutes (longer for more flavor)
• Baking: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour (including marinating)

Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Asian-inspired dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for both vegetarians and vegans, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. 🍽️🥢😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu:

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 4 ounces of baked tofu):

• Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
• Protein: About 10-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: Less than 1 gram
• Fat: 6-8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram or less
• Cholesterol: 0 mg (as tofu is plant-based)
• Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of soy sauce used, but generally around 200-300 mg per serving

🌱 Health Information:

• High-Quality Protein: Tofu is a plant-based source of high-quality protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. It provides all essential amino acids.

• Low in Saturated Fat: Tofu is low in saturated fat, which is a healthier option compared to many animal-based protein sources.

• Low in Cholesterol: As a plant-based product, tofu contains no cholesterol, making it heart-healthy.

• Source of Healthy Fats: Tofu contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

• Rich in Minerals: Tofu is a good source of various minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s especially important for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet to meet their calcium needs.

• Diverse Nutrients: The marinade, which often includes ingredients like ginger and garlic, adds additional health benefits, as they are rich in antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory properties.

• Fiber: If you include vegetables alongside your baked tofu, you’ll increase the fiber content of the dish, which is essential for digestive health.

• Customizable: You can make this dish even healthier by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of oil in the marinade.

• Versatile: Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, providing plant-based protein without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in animal products.

Please note that the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. The provided information is a general guideline, and it’s always a good idea to check specific product labels or consult with a nutritionist for precise values based on your preparation.