1-Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu blocks in paper towels or a clean tea towel. Place a plate or pan on top, then add weight like a cast iron pan. Let press for about 30 minutes so excess moisture comes out. This step is crucial for crispiness in any baked tofu recipe, including oven baked tofu.

2-Preheat and prep your baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking sheet so the tofu doesn’t stick while it bakes.

3-Cut the tofu into BBQ-friendly shapes: Slice the tofu into half-inch pieces crosswise. Then cut diagonally into triangles or other shapes like cubes, based on how you want to serve your bbq tofu.

4-Coat for crispiness: Add tofu pieces to a large resealable bag or container. Pour in olive oil, cornstarch, and salt, then shake gently until everything is evenly coated. Using a ziplock bag or container helps prevent breaking tofu and keeps the coating consistent.

5-First bake until golden: Arrange tofu pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes until the tops look golden and crispy.

6-Sauce and bake again: Remove the tofu from the oven temporarily. Pour barbecue sauce over the tofu, stir gently to coat, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes so the sauce warms through and clings to the tofu.

7-Serve immediately: Take the baked barbecue tofu out and serve right away for the best texture. For meal prep, store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days and reheat as needed.