This cajun tofu is an easy baked tofu recipe that can be used a number of different ways! Only 5 ingredients, ready in under an hour.
Let's get spicy.
One of the biggest complaints I hear about tofu is that it doesn't taste like anything. Today we're going to change that, big time!
Tofu is basically soybean curd, and the reason it doesn't taste like much out of the package is because it usually comes packed in water. You'll need to press out most of that water in order to have firm, flavorful tofu. Check out this article if you need help on how to dry out tofu!
After pressing out the water we're going to replace it with a flavorful marinade. It's hard for me to stray away from my best tofu recipe, but when I do I still want lots of flavor!
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Maple syrup
- Cajun seasoning
- Extra firm tofu
Instructions
- In a shallow dish (I used an 8x8 baking pan), combine the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and cajun seasoning.
- Add the tofu and turn each piece over to coat it in the marinade. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and let marinate at least 15 minutes, turning once.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
- Transfer the tofu to the prepared baking sheet making sure you leave room between each piece so they're not touching. Bake 45-60 minutes, turning once, or until browned and crisp on the outside.
Top tips
Use pure maple syrup
Pure maple syrup balances out the flavors of the soy sauce and cajun seasoning in a way that sugary pancake syrup will not. I recommend using only 100% pure maple syrup in this recipe.
The best cajun spice mix
Cajun spice mixes can vary greatly. I recommend finding one that doesn't list salt as one of the first ingredients because the ones that do tend to contain a LOT of it and do not taste all that great.
How to store
Tofu is best enjoyed shortly after cooking, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing cooked tofu.
Tips for customizing cajun tofu
- Swap the cajun seasoning for your other favorite dried herb seasoning blend to taste
- Serve over rice, fetuccini alfredo, or a salad
- Add to a sandwich or wrap
- Fry the tofu in one tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side instead of baking
- Roll marinated tofu in cornstarch before baking for extra crispiness
FAQ
This recipe is easy to make gluten-free if you choose tamari instead of soy sauce and find a spice mix that is certified gluten-free.
I recommend using extra firm tofu so that it will hold up well to marinating and baking without falling apart.
More tofu recipes
- Balsamic Tofu
- Pan Fried Peanut Tofu
- The Best Crispy Tofu
- The Best Tofu Recipe
- Kung Pao Tofu
- BBQ Tofu
- Vegan Ham
- Pesto Tofu
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Cajun Tofu
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1.5 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into about 12 strips
Instructions
- In a shallow dish (I used an 8x8 baking pan), combine the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, and cajun seasoning.
- Add the tofu and turn each piece over to coat it in the marinade. Arrange the tofu in a single layer and let marinate at least 15 minutes, turning once.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
- Transfer the tofu to the prepared baking sheet making sure you leave room between each piece so they're not touching. Bake 45-60 minutes, turning once, or until browned and crisp on the outside.
Celien says
Hi! This looks amazing and I will try this recipe for sure. Is it possible to freeze a portion of the tofu after it has been marinated or would that mess with the texture somehow?
Lindsay Moe says
I have never frozen tofu, but I've heard a lot of people say it actually improves the texture. However, I would recommend freezing it before marinating, if possible.
theenemytoad says
Thank you for the recipe! I thought it was good, but needs more flavor for my taste. Next time I will try with 2 tbsps. tamari and and 1 1/2 tsps. Cajun seasoning.
Jasmine says
The flavor was a little off probablt because I only had honey so used it in place of the maple syrup, but still came out really good. I convinced my family that pressed and baked Cajun tofu is a great alternative to chicken
Madeleine says
I totally gonna use this to make tofu gumbo!
Adrienne says
This recipe is soooo good. I haven’t been able to stop making it since I found it. I read it wrong initially and ended up putting a 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and it still came out great. I marinate the tofu for 2 hours on each side and pour the extra marinade on top to bake. I just don’t think there a better way to make tofu now. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Lindsay Moe says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.