Baked Tofu Parmesan Recipe ~ Vegan (2024)

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Baked panko crusted Tofu Parmesan recipe from scratch in a homemade marinara sauce. Basically a “vegan chicken parmesan” without any of the cholesterol, fat and cruelty. Oil free, air fryer method included.

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Crispy. Saucy. Healthy. Italian Tofu Parmesan!

The best vegan tofu parmesan baked to perfection until perfectly crispy on the outside and with a perfect meaty texture achieved with the frozen-defrost method.

It all starts with my homemade vegan parmesan!

I’m a big fan of the walnut version but it can also be done with raw cashews, pine nuts and even macadamias. Best to experiment with your favorite nuts and find your favorite combo.

the panko breadcrumb crust:

  1. Using panko breadcrumbs results in the crispiest texture ever. If not available just use any unseasoned whole grain bread crumbs you have in the pantry.
  2. Alternatively you can make your own breadcrumbs using stale or toasted bread. Process in the food processor until a coarse texture forms, slowly using the pulse button so you don’t over do it.

Because of the wonderful walnut parmesan coating this tofu can be made as healthy as possible. Not greasy, completely oil-free using the oven baked method or air fryer without the tofu steaks drying out at all.

what to serve with:

  • creamy polenta
  • mashed potatoes
  • in a pasta casserole
  • vegan mac and cheese
  • sandwiches / sliders
  • roasted spaghetti squash.

Optional: you can top your tofu with plant based cheese slices and finish under the broiler for a few seconds until melted and gooey. Keep in mind however that the cheese contains oil so it must be omitted for the whole food plant based and Plantricious diets.

P.S. If you try this recipe please come back here to rate it, snap a photo and tag me with #VeggieSociety on Instagram, it always brightens up my day ~ Florentina Xo’s

how to make the best tofu parmesan:

Baked Tofu Parmesan Recipe ~ Vegan (8)

5 from 3 votes

Baked Tofu Parmesan

Baked panko crusted Tofu Parmesan recipe from scratch in a homemade marinara sauce. Basically a "vegan chicken parmesan" without any of the cholesterol, fat and cruelty. Oil free, air fryer method included.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:30 minutes mins

Pressing Tofu::45 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 15 oz block firm tofu
  • 1/4 cup tapioca
  • 3 cups homemade tomato sauce

Batter:

  • 1/2 cup cashew milk (or plain plant milk of your choosing)
  • 2 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika

Panko Crust:

  • 1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup plain panko bread crumbs (or any plain whole grain bread crumbs will do)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Drain the tofu and slice into 8 slices width-wise. Pat dry with a lint free towel and try to press out as much of the water as possible.

  • Place in a freezer proof container and freeze solid.

  • Defrost the tofu and wrap it in a lint free towel. Place on a tray and cover with a heavy object to press. (Use a skillet, cutting board, heavy pot, canned tomatoes etc.) Press for a good 45 minutes or so to get out as much of the moisture as possible.

  • Meanwhile mix together the vegan parmesan and bread crumbs and set aside.

Prepare the Tofu:

  • Season the tofu pieces with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper on both sides then coat in the tapioca.

  • Whisk together the batter ingredients until smooth then dip each tofu slice in it.

  • Coat in the vegan parmesan crust mixture shaking off any excess.

  • Place the coated tofu pieces on a parchment lined baking sheet or air fryer tray without touching each other.

Oven Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 400”F and cook the tofu for 30 minutes flipping half way.

  • OPTIONAL: Top the tofu with your favorite plant based cheese slices ( I love Follow Your Heart & Violife) and place under the broiler for about 30 seconds or so until melted.

  • Meanwhile heat up the marinara in a skillet and transfer the parmesan tofu into sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and serve hot over creamy polenta, pasta or mashed potatoes.

Air Fryer Method:

  • Follow the steps above, but instead of baking it air fry the tofu at 375”F for 12 to 15 minutes flipping half way.

Notes

POLENTA:

To make creamy polenta whisk 2 cups of yellow cornmeal into 12 cups of boiling water. Add a pinch of sea salt and a bay leaf and simmer for about 45 minutes until thick and creamy stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of cashew milk. As the polenta cools down it will continue to thicken up until solid.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 555mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 686IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian Tofu, plant based, vegan,, wfpb

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 291kcal

Author: Florentina

Plant Based Recipes:

Baked Tofu Parmesan Recipe ~ Vegan (2024)

FAQs

Why isn't my tofu getting crispy in the oven? ›

Why won't my tofu get crisp? This could likely be a result of not drying out the tofu enough to drain out the extra moisture. It's also possible that your oven temperature is not hot enough. Make sure it's preheated and heat the pan in the oven for extra crispness.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in baked tofu? ›

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

Baked, Not Fried.

My method for baking tofu produces tofu that's chewy, but it's cooked in the oven, making it much healthier.

What happens when you bake tofu? ›

Overall, baking tofu can add depth, texture, and flavor to a recipe, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, and as a protein substitute in many recipes.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Why is my baked tofu rubbery? ›

Why does tofu get rubbery? Because it was probably overcooked, it was probably exposed to too much heat. I don't know if it was roasted baked air fried or sauteed, but when it becomes, uh, overcooked, it's gonna get very, very tough.

What is a vegan substitute for cornstarch? ›

7 Options When You Need a Cornstarch Substitute
  • Potato Starch. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, paleo-friendly. ...
  • Arrowroot Powder. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, paleo-friendly. ...
  • All-Purpose Flour. Pros: Vegan. ...
  • Xanthan Gum. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly. ...
  • Tapioca. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly. ...
  • Rice Flour. ...
  • Guar Gum.
Jun 10, 2021

Can vegans use cornstarch? ›

When used correctly and in appropriate amounts, cornstarch is translucent and tasteless. Because cornstarch consists of nothing but corn endosperm, cornstarch is indeed vegan.

Can you coat tofu in cornflour instead of cornstarch? ›

Mix the cornflour, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Unravel the tofu from the paper, cut in half through the centre, then cut into triangles, cubes or strips. Toss the tofu pieces in the spiced cornflour to coat all over. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Tofu contains a large amount of water when it comes out of the package. In order to bake, fry, or scramble tofu, it's best to press out as much water as possible before cooking.

Can I eat tofu raw? ›

How to safely eat raw tofu. While tofu comes in a variety of textures — silken, firm, and extra firm — technically any of them can be eaten raw. Before enjoying raw tofu, drain off any excess liquid from the packaging. It's also important to store tofu properly to prevent germs from growing on any unused portions.

Do you have to press tofu before baking? ›

Contrary to popular belief, pressing tofu really isn't necessary at all. In fact, it's better not to press it. Needless to say, soft tofu should never be pressed because it has the texture of a custard and will likely disintegrate if you put too much weight on it.

Do you have to drain tofu before baking? ›

This excess water can cause the tofu to crumble when you cook it, and it will also have a hard time crisping up. But when you press tofu, you remove the excess moisture. It takes on a chewier, firmer texture, which makes it super satisfying to eat and less likely to fall apart.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Heat a large oven-safe metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and the seasoned tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes, shaking/flipping occasionally to cook on all sides, until tofu has a slight crust on each side and has begun to brown.

How do you fix soggy tofu? ›

Put a weight — a plate will be just fine — on the tofu. Leave it there for 15–30 minutes. You will see a big pool of water squeezed out. The tofu will now have a lot less water in it, and may pan-fry much better.

How do you bake tofu to dry it out? ›

Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35.

How do you get moisture out of tofu in the oven? ›

To bake tofu in the oven, simply:
  1. Drain the tofu. First things first — even the most firm varieties of tofu contain lots of extra water. ...
  2. Cut the tofu. Once the tofu has drained, remove the weights and paper towels. ...
  3. Coat the tofu. ...
  4. Arrange on a baking sheet. ...
  5. Bake until crispy. ...
  6. Serve warm!
Sep 21, 2018

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