Tofu tastes a lot better when it is soaked in a marinade and roasted in the oven than when it is served without seasoning and raw. Roasted tofu should be cooked in a hot oven for a long enough amount of time for it to brown and cook through, but not so long that it becomes chewy and tough like jerky. Tofu is usually sold in vacuum-sealed containers filled with water or fresh, soaking in a large vat of water. For the best flavor, drain and press the tofu before roasting and use tofu that will hold its shape on its own.
Roasted tofu will taste more delicious when it is able to soak up the marinade or other seasonings. To make room for the marinade, remove as much water as possible from the tofu before marinating. To drain and press, raw tofu should be wrapped in a clean towel and then set on a cutting board with a heavy object, such as a skillet or big cookbook on top. Pressure from the object will force the water out, leaving a dry tofu that's ready for seasoning.
Roasted tofu made with a soft or silken tofu won't have the right texture. A cook won't be able to slide silken roasted tofu on a skewer or use it in a dish with rice or other vegetables. For best results, the tofu should be firm or extra firm, which is usually found in the refrigerated section in the shape of blocks.
When tofu is frozen and then thawed out, its texture changes, taking on a denser texture. It may be similar to the way chicken meat feels. For a denser roasted tofu, a cook can try to freezing the tofu before preparing. Defrosted tofu will also soak up marinade a bit better than refrigerated tofu.
Tofu doesn't need long to marinate, especially if it is cut into 1- or 0.5-inch (2.5- or 1.3-cm) cubes. The tofu should marinate for at least half an hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator. A simple roasted tofu marinade can be made from equal parts soy sauce, oil, and cooking wine.
The tofu should be roasted in an oven that is at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). For even cooking, the cubes should be spread in a single layer on a baking sheet or shallow baking dish. The tofu usually takes about 20 minutes to roast and is ready when it is golden brown and warmed through.
