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Baked Tofu with Mushrooms and Marinara Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews
  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Tofu with Mushrooms recipe is a flavorful, vegetarian dish featuring firm tofu baked with baby Bella mushrooms, garlic, chili flakes, herbs, marinara sauce, and melted aged Provolone and sharp cheddar cheese. The tofu is first pressed to remove excess moisture, then baked in a savory sauce for 30-40 minutes until mushrooms are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Perfect as a comforting main course packed with umami and rich textures, this recipe merges simple ingredients into an exquisite baked delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu Preparation

  • 1 pack organic firm or extra firm tofu
  • 3 cups warm water (for soaking)
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt (for soaking)

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb organic baby Bella mushrooms (or any mushrooms available, approximately 1/2 pack)
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (or any other preferred sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2–3 sprigs lemon thyme (optional, fresh used here)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups cheese, shredded (aged Provolone and sharp cheddar used; dairy-free alternatives acceptable)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Press Tofu: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of sea salt in 3 cups of warm water. Remove tofu from packaging and submerge it in this salted water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, remove tofu and press it lightly using a heavy skillet, pot, or a tofu press for about 5 additional minutes to expel excess moisture. Pat the tofu dry with kitchen paper towels.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the other components.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: In a smaller baking dish, spread a thin layer of about 3 to 4 tablespoons of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and build flavor.
  4. Arrange Tofu and Sauce: Place the pressed tofu block in the center of the baking dish. Drizzle approximately half of the remaining marinara sauce over and around the tofu, coating it lightly.
  5. Prepare Mushrooms and Garlic: Gently clean the mushrooms to remove any dirt and slice them in halves. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
  6. Layer Mushrooms and Seasonings: Scatter the mushrooms and crushed garlic evenly around the tofu in the baking dish. Sprinkle chili flakes, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and lemon thyme sprigs over the mushrooms and tofu. Then pour the remaining sauce over everything, spreading gently to coat but not completely submerge.
  7. Add Cheese and Oil: Shred your choice of cheese if not pre-shredded. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tofu, mushrooms, and sauce. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over all the ingredients to enhance flavor and browning.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake on medium-low heat setting for 30 to 40 minutes. The exact time and temperature can vary based on your oven, ideally between 300°F to 350°F (148°C to 176°C). Look for golden, bubbly cheese and fully cooked, tender mushrooms as indicators of readiness.
  9. Serving: Once baked, carefully remove from the oven. The tofu should be infused with marinara flavors, the mushrooms tender, and the cheese melted with a rich golden hue. Serve warm as a hearty main dish or a complementary side.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu thoroughly is key to removing excess water for better texture and to allow it to absorb the sauce well.
  • You can substitute marinara sauce with any tomato-based or savory sauce of your preference.
  • If you avoid dairy, feel free to use dairy-free cheese alternatives successfully in this recipe.
  • Keep an eye on the baking during the last 10 minutes to prevent cheese from burning and to achieve the desired golden crust.
  • Fresh herbs like lemon thyme add bright aroma, but dried oregano is essential for a classic flavor.
  • This dish pairs nicely with cooked grains, salads, or crusty bread.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian American/Italian-inspired

Keywords: baked tofu recipe, tofu with mushrooms, vegetarian baked dish, tofu dinner, easy baked tofu, garlic mushroom tofu, healthy vegetarian meal

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Find it online: https://recipiana.com/baked-tofu-with-mushrooms-and-marinara-sauce-recipe/