Crispy Korean Tofu Bites

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< 1 min read
Summary

These bites are fun and simple to make and can be used as an appetizer or a protein-rich addition to a grain bowl. If you can, marinate the tofu ahead of time (more time in the marinade means more flavor!). Then when you’re ready, pop them in the oven, toaster oven, or Air Fryer for a tasty and satisfying snack. The bites have lots of flavor with just the marinade alone so omit the Bibimbap Sauce if spicy isn’t your idea of plant-based eating fun.

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time45 mins

Ingredients

 1 batch of Bibimbap Sauce (link in Chef’s Notes)
 16 oz organic tofu (firm or extra-firm, drained and pressed (see Chef’s Notes))
Marinade Ingredients
 ½ cup organic apple (grated)
 4 garlic cloves (grated)
 2 tbsp organic tamari (reduced sodium, or coconut aminos)
 2 tbsp maple syrup (or date paste, link in Chef’s Notes)
 ¼ cup water

Directions

1

Make the tofu: After the tofu has been pressed, cut it into 1” x 1” cubes.

2

Add the apple, garlic cloves, tamari, and maple syrup to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.

3

Add the tofu to a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over top and toss gently to coat. Allow to sit for one hour or overnight.

4

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (Air Fryer directions are in the Chef’s notes).

5

Spread the tofu out evenly on the baking sheet.

6

Bake for 30–40 minutes or until crispy (depending on how crispy you’d like them!), flipping halfway through.

7

Once the tofu is finished baking, serve the bites alongside the Bibimbap Sauce or other sauce of choice (see Chef’s Notes for ideas).

Chef's Notes

Press Your Tofu
If you want the tofu to be firm and crispy when you bake it then you’ll want to press the water out of it at least an hour before you cook it. Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean tea towel and set something heavy on top of it, like a cast iron pan or a few heavy books. Let it press for about an hour if possible.

Substitutions
Substitute pear in place of apple.

For the apple, use any organic apple of your choice.

Whole Food Sweetener
Use date paste in place of maple syrup.

Air Fryer Directions
Set the temperature to 400 degrees F. Distribute the tofu evenly on the Air Fryer basket. Bake for 10–15 minutes, shaking the Air Fryer basket after 5 minutes (at that time, determine if an additional 5 minutes or more is needed).

Prep Ahead
Prepare the tofu ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before making this recipe.

Make the Bibimbap Sauce ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7-10 days before making this recipe.

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ingredients

 1 batch of Bibimbap Sauce (link in Chef’s Notes)
 16 oz organic tofu (firm or extra-firm, drained and pressed (see Chef’s Notes))
Marinade Ingredients
 ½ cup organic apple (grated)
 4 garlic cloves (grated)
 2 tbsp organic tamari (reduced sodium, or coconut aminos)
 2 tbsp maple syrup (or date paste, link in Chef’s Notes)
 ¼ cup water

Directions

1

Make the tofu: After the tofu has been pressed, cut it into 1” x 1” cubes.

2

Add the apple, garlic cloves, tamari, and maple syrup to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.

3

Add the tofu to a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over top and toss gently to coat. Allow to sit for one hour or overnight.

4

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (Air Fryer directions are in the Chef’s notes).

5

Spread the tofu out evenly on the baking sheet.

6

Bake for 30–40 minutes or until crispy (depending on how crispy you’d like them!), flipping halfway through.

7

Once the tofu is finished baking, serve the bites alongside the Bibimbap Sauce or other sauce of choice (see Chef’s Notes for ideas).

Notes

Crispy Korean Tofu Bites