It takes only 30 minutes to prepare deliciously crispy Fried Tofu that you can enjoy as a snack or with numerous meals.
Tofu does not have to be bland. Just look at this recipe for fried tofu. It fits beautifully with so many dishes or makes a great pop-in-your-mouth snack. Most of all, it is one of the easiest things to make. Those 30 minutes go by fast, especially considering that 20 are for pressing the moisture out of the tofu block.
There aren’t many foods that provide the incredible crunchy exterior and moist, juicy interior like tofu. Make sure you start with extra-firm tofu to ensure proper consistency. Doing so will yield a delicious dish that goes beautifully with stir-fries, noodles, rice, salads, and dipping sauces—see all my recommendations in the serving suggestions section at the end.
This recipe does not use much oil—only 2-3 tablespoons due to using a non-stick pan. My favorite frying oil is avocado or an avocado/olive oil blend, which can handle higher cooking temperatures. You can also add a little sesame oil with the other oils to impart a delicious flavor to the tofu cubes.
Is Fried Tofu Healthy?
Although fried tofu is slightly higher in fat than baked or air-fried versions, it is still a healthy source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients. It provides plenty of plant-based protein without a lot of calories or carbohydrates, and much of the fat is polyunsaturated, which is good for the body. Reducing the added salt can help lower the sodium level. I recommend replacing salt with smoked paprika whenever possible for an incredible flavor boost.
Other Ways To Create Flavorful Fried Tofu
This recipe for fried tofu is a great one to get you started, but by using different seasonings, you can add incredible depth of flavor to this dish. For example, you can spice up this version with chili powder or cayenne pepper. Ground cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne can give the tofu an Indian flair. For a cheesier taste, add some nutritional yeast to the recipe provided. Another favorite of mine is smoked paprika, and with sweet or hot versions, you can alter the flavors of the tofu each time you make it.
How do I store leftovers?
Fried tofu should be cooled to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It can then be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness. Freezing is not the best way to store leftover tofu, but if you need to, freeze the cubes on a lined baking sheet or tray before placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Fried tofu goes well in many dishes and can replace animal protein in others. Use it in addition to or to replace the imitation crab meat in this Sushi Bowl Recipe. Add it to a Cabbage Stir-Fry, Broccoli And Mushroom Stir-Fry, or Vegetable Stir-Fry. Serve it with Curry Noodles, Korean Noodles, or Thai Noodles. Add it to Vegan Fried Rice, Air-Fryer Fried Rice, or Spanish Rice And Beans (add some chili powder and cumin to the tofu seasoning).
If you want to add a sauce to your fried tofu, try Huli Huli Sauce, Korean Fried Chicken Sauce (tofu is a perfect replacement for chicken), General Tso Sauce, or Honey Garlic Sauce.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 to 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil such as avocado or canola oil
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean tea towel. Place a heavy object, like a cutting board with a cast iron skillet on top, to press out the moisture for about 15-20 minutes.
- Dice the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer them to a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, then add cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-5 minutes on one side until golden, then carefully flip each cube and fry until all sides are golden and crisp, about another 2-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain extra oil. Serve hot and enjoy as part of a meal, or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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