Thursday, October 10, 2024

Easy Oven Baked Tofu

Think you’re not a fan of tofu? Boy, have I got just the thing to change your mind… This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you’ll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!

This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you'll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!

When I first made this Oven Baked Tofu, my son — who was a teenager at the time — was still living at home and, well, just as pretty much any other reluctant growing boy — I guess — he was not exactly what one could call a fan of tofu.

But I remember the day I’d initially posted this recipe, he almost wolfed down the entire batch before I’d even had a chance to take pictures… or even bake it, for that matter!

I was standing in the kitchen, laying the marinated tofu cubes on a baking sheet, getting ready to put them in the oven, when he walked up to me and asked:– “What’s that?”

Before I even had a chance to answer, “THAT is tofu”, in an almost scandalized voice, as if he was going to get poisoned if he dared touch it, he had already wolfed down a piece and was grabbing a second one, followed by a third…

And then he said:– “Wow, it’s really good!” and walked away.

Whoa… wait a minute. Really good? This was TOFU he just ate, raw tofu! And he said, it’s really good? I couldn’t believe my ears!

This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you'll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!

But wait, there’s more… 40 minutes later, when I finally took the now baked tofu out of the oven, my son SPECIFICALLY returned to the kitchen to grab a couple of pieces and walked away, once again, telling me how really good he thought this baked tofu was.

I was speechless. SHOCKED! I just couldn’t believe it.

So one of two things, people: either there is genuinely something wrong with my son, or this baked tofu is seriously good s… tuff!

I think it’s the latter, honestly!

But really, don’t take my word for it… Try it for yourself!

You can eat it right as it comes out of the oven, or you could choose to have it at room temperature. Heck, you can even eat it cold! And you know what? You don’t even need to cook it, really. It’s super good even before it hits the oven. Hey, even my son said so! 😉

Just one word of advice, though: if you’re going to make this, I think that you should totally double the recipe. Or maybe even triple it…

It just goes down way too fast!

Place a heavy object such as a large book over the whole rig to press the tofu

Start by removing the tofu from its packaging, then drain and press it for about 1 hour to release excess liquid, and then pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Now, if you didn’t happen to own a tofu press, don’t go running to the store just to get one… You can very quickly set up a little rig that’ll work just as good:

  • Grab a cooling rack and place it over a container of some kind, to collect all the liquids that’ll drip. I chose to use a glass loaf pan, but practically any container will do!
  • Next, place your block of tofu onto that cooling rack and then place a small plate or other flat object right over that block of tofu… 
  • Finally, place a heavy object, such as a large book or a cast iron skillet, over that plate or flat object. Now simply put that entire rig aside and let your tofu slowly drip away for about an hour. 
Cut the tofu into 1/2-in cubes

Once the tofu is good and pressed, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Then, cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and, in a medium sized bowl, combine the tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic and sriracha; stir to combine.

Add the tofu to the marinade and toss until completely coated

Add the cubed tofu to the bowl and stir delicately until all the cubes are completely and evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes. You could also do this the previous day and let your tofu marinate overnight; just don’t go preheating your oven right now, if you’re gonna do that…

Arrange the tofu cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer

Arrange the cubes of tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave ample room between each cube for air to circulate. Just try not to eat it all now… it’s worth trying it baked too, you know!

Oh, and whatever you do, do not discard that leftover marinade: it makes for an amazing dipping sauce!

Bake the tofu in the oven until golden brown

Now bake the tofu in your preheated oven for 40 minutes, flipping the cubes once halfway through, until it becomes all nice and beautifully golden brown.

This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you'll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!

Let the baked tofu cool for about 5 minutes in the pan — try not to eat it all during that time; it might be best to keep the kids out of the kitchen! — then serve it with that leftover marinade as a dipping sauce, garnished with a handful of chopped cilantro and a few sesame seeds, if you so desire.

That’s IF you still have any left to serve by now…

This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you'll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!
This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you'll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe
4.80 from 15 votes

Easy Oven Baked Tofu

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Tofu Pressing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Think you're not a fan of tofu? Boy, have I got just the thing to change your mind… This Easy Oven Baked Tofu is so crazy yummy, tasty and addictive, you'll soon find yourself popping it like potato chips!
Servings: 2

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Remove the tofu from its packaging, drain and press it for about 1 hour to release excess liquid, and then pat it dry with a clean towel.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and, in a medium sized bowl, combine the tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic and sriracha; stir to combine.
  • Add the cubed tofu to the bowl and stir delicately until all the cubes are completely and evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes (or up to overnight).
  • Place the cubes of tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave ample room between each cube for air to circulate. Whatever you do, do not discard that leftover marinade: it makes for an amazing dipping sauce!
  • Bake the tofu in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, flipping the cubes once halfway through, until it becomes all nice and beautifully golden brown.
  • Let the baked tofu cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then serve it with that leftover marinade as a dipping sauce, garnished with a handful of chopped cilantro and a few sesame seeds, if you so desire.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1177mg, Potassium: 410mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 81mg, Iron: 3mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Asian
Author: Sonia! The Healthy Foodie

If you’ve tried this recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and let me know how things went for you in the comments below. It’s always such a pleasure to hear from you!

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*Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January of 2012 and has since been completely revamped and updated with better pictures. A few minor modifications to the original recipe may also have been made.

The post Easy Oven Baked Tofu appeared first on The Healthy Foodie.



* This article was originally published here

Sunday, October 6, 2024

The Calming Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years as a way to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. In this post, we will explore a handful of the most common benefits of using a weighted blanket and some of the physiology behind their effectiveness.

1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

One of the most significant benefits of using a weighted blanket is that it can help reduce anxiety and stress. A weighted blanket is believed to work by providing deep pressure stimulation, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation and reduces stress levels, producing a calming effect on the body.

2. Improves Sleep Quality

Another benefit of using a weighted blanket is its ability to help individuals fall and stay asleep. For many, the pressure of the blanket provides a feeling of security and comfort, making it easier for individuals to relax and fall asleep faster. Additionally, the weight of the blanket may help to prevent tossing and turning, keeping individuals in a deeper state of sleep for longer periods of time. This can lead to improved overall sleep quality and fewer awakenings throughout the night. The deep pressure stimulation provided by the blanket also aids in releasing melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep patterns.

3. Enhances Focus and Attention

Weighted blankets are not only beneficial for sleep, but they can also improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD or other attention-related disorders. The pressure of the blanket helps to calm the nervous system and increase attentiveness, making it easier for individuals to concentrate on tasks at hand. Additionally, the weight of the blanket provides a physical boundary, preventing individuals from fidgeting or becoming easily distracted.

4. Enhances Mood and Well-being

In addition to its other benefits, using a weighted blanket can also lead to enhanced mood and overall well-being. The deep pressure touch provided by the blanket stimulates the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and comfort. Additionally, the pressure can help reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome and other nervous system disorders, leading to an overall feeling of calm and relaxation.

5. Alleviates Physical Discomfort

Finally, weighted blankets can be beneficial for individuals struggling with chronic pain. Because the deeper pressure provided by the blanket is perceived as pleasant and calming it can facilitate a decrease in pain symptoms. The deep pressure stimulation provided by the blanket can also help alleviate discomfort in the muscles and joints, providing relief for individuals with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Using a weighted blanket can provide numerous benefits, from reducing anxiety and stress to improving sleep quality and enhancing overall well-being. If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep or suffer from symptoms of anxiety or pain, talk with your healthcare provider to determine if a weighted blanket is right for you.

 

 

The post The Calming Benefits of Weighted Blankets appeared first on DrWeil.com.



* This article was originally published here

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

2 Supplements That May Promote Healthy, Full Hair

It is not unusual for women to experience hair loss as they age, especially when menopausal changes come into play. Thinning hair on the crown or top of the head (also known as female pattern baldness) can be due to the effects of hair-care treatments, dyes and styling; the habit of twisting or pulling your hair; or low thyroid or other hormone or nutrient imbalances. If you are on a thyroid hormone medication and/or have other symptoms that concern you for thyroid disease, consider seeking out an integrative medicine provider who may be able to look deeper into this with you than the basic blood test does. Many times that exploration results in a focus on the root issue, often being related to chronic stress burden, digestive health or nutrient adequacy.

Diet typically also plays a role. To maintain healthy hair and help prevent further loss, try these two simple changes:

  1. Make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. Eat wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, herring or mackerel two or three times a week, as well as sprinkle two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed per day on oatmeal or salads or in your smoothies. You can also supplement with a high-quality, molecularly distilled fish oil.
  2. Supplement your diet with GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil. Take 500 mg of either twice a day for six to eight weeks to see if it helps.

The post 2 Supplements That May Promote Healthy, Full Hair appeared first on DrWeil.com.



* This article was originally published here