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Jerk tofu cubes on a plate with rice and green onions.
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5 from 1 vote

Oil-Free Jamaican Jerk Tofu Recipe

This oil-free Jamaican jerk tofu recipe features an easy jerk marinade with jerk seasoning for spicy and crispy tofu from the air fryer or oven.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Jamaican
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4
Calories: 133kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces tofu 1 block, firm or extra-firm
  • 4 medium green onions white and green parts
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 2 teaspoons ginger minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons jerk seasoning
  • ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Remove the tofu from the packaging, then press it. Use a commercial tofu press. Alternatively, wrap the block in paper towels and place it between two flat surfaces. Weigh the top down to press the moisture from the tofu (about 15 minutes).
  • Add the green onions, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon of jerk seasoning to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
  • Taste the marinade and add additional jerk seasoning or cayenne pepper if desired.
  • Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Place them in a shallow bowl or rimmed plate.
  • Cover the tofu with the marinade. Gently toss the tofu pieces a few times to coat them. Cover the dish and marinate the tofu for at least an hour.
  • Shake off excess marinade from each tofu piece and place them in a clean dish. Mix with cornstarch until each piece is well-covered.
  • See instructions below to bake or air fry.

How to air fry jerk tofu

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees (190 C).
  • When it's preheated, place the tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket (or rack).
  • Fry the tofu for 6 minutes, then flip and brush with tofu with marinade.
  • Air fry for another 4 minutes. Toss it, brush on more marinade, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

How to bake jerk tofu

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees (220 C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Place the tofu in a single layer on the baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Flip the tofu. Brush on more marinade, and bake it for another 15 minutes.
  • Toss it a final time and finish with more marinade.

Video

Notes

  • Cook time is for air frying. Add 15 minutes for oven baking.
  • Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the tofu and the true temperatures of your oven or air fryer.
  • Some jerk seasoning is notoriously hot. Check the jar for the spice level. Add 1 teaspoon (or less) to the marinade and adjust after blending.
  • I recommend an hour of marinating. After 24 hours, tofu can start losing shape and may not cook properly.
  • Store leftover jerk tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the air fryer, microwave, or oven.
  • Freeze jerk tofu for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To further crisp it, toss it with a little cornstarch.

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 2mg