Maple Glazed Baked Tofu Marinade Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, thanks to the maple syrup and soy sauce combo that infuses the tofu with incredible flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead for meal prep, making my weekday dinners both delicious and stress-free!

My Maple Glazed Baked Tofu Marinade has the rich, savory-sweet flavor that I love. A 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup sets the tone, balanced nicely with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Then come the star ingredients: apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, which add a zesty punch that cuts through the sweetness and makes you sit up and pay attention. They’re followed by garlic, which is always welcome in my kitchen; smoked paprika, which adds warmth and depth; and some olive oil to bring it all together.

Really and truly, this is a punchy, tasty marinade that can do double duty as a salad dressing!

Ingredients

• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener; adds caramel sweetness; rich in antioxidants.
• Soy Sauce: Umami flavor enhancer; provides sodium; adds depth to dishes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy acidity; aids digestion; potential antimicrobial properties.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; rich in antioxidants; promotes heart health.
• Dijon Mustard: Creamy texture; tangy spice; low in calories.
• Garlic: Bold, savory flavor; supports immune health; contains antioxidants.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky depth; vibrant color; mild heat and antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. In a bowl that is of medium size, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until you have a mixture that is well combined.

2. Stir the mixture of minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the spices are evenly blended in.

3. A block of firm tofu should be drained and pressed to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes or slices as desired.

4. In a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, place the pieces of tofu.

5. Ensure that all pieces of the tofu are well coated by the marinade. Pour the marinade over the tofu.

6. Seal the bag, or cover the dish, with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—preferably overnight—for the tofu to absorb the flavors.

7. Warm up the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

8. Place the marinated tofu in one layer on the prepared baking sheet. Set aside any leftover marinade to use later.

9. Bake in the oven that has been preheated to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until the edges are golden and slightly crispy.

10. If desired, while baking, reduce the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened. Drizzle the reduced sauce over the baked tofu before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Tofu press or paper towels for pressing tofu
6. Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
7. Plastic wrap (if using a dish)
8. Oven
9. Baking sheet
10. Parchment paper
11. Small saucepan
12. Stove or cooktop
13. Spatula or tongs for flipping tofu

FAQ

• Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?Indeed, maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup, but this will make the flavor a bit different.
• Is there an alternative to apple cider vinegar?In this recipe, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• How long should I marinate the tofu?The tofu should ideally be marinated for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for a truly pronounced flavor, consider letting it soak in the marinade for 2-4 hours or up to overnight.
• Can I use a different type of mustard?The smooth texture and tangy flavor of Dijon mustard is what is recommended, but spicy brown mustard can also be used if necessary.
• Is there a substitute for olive oil?Any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, can replace the olive oil in this recipe.
• Can I make this marinade ahead of time?Certainly, the marinade can be made 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
• What can I serve with the baked tofu?This tofu works well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to form a balanced meal.

Substitutions and Variations

Agave nectar or honey can replace maple syrup in a recipe. The result will not taste like maple, which, in the end, is the flavor you are after, regardless of it being produced by a plant or an animal. In truth, agave nectar and honey will give you a differently sweet, somewhat more floral, flavor.
Soy sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari. For a soy-free alternative, use coconut aminos.
Apple cider vinegar: Substituting good rice vinegar or white wine vinegar will get you that same tangy deliciousness.
Canola oil or avocado oil can take the place of olive oil for a cooking property and texture that is similar.
Paprika, smoked: Use regular paprika or ground chipotle for similar smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Press the Tofu: For optimal texture, press the tofu for at least 20 minutes before marinating to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps it absorb the marinade better and improves its texture when baked.