Credit: Duane Beckett / OpenAI
Crispy Fried Tofu with Dips. Credit: Duane Beckett / OpenAI
Difficulty Level: easy
15 min Prep
20 min Cook
35 min Total
4 Servings
Tofu is often a hard-sell at home, but when cooked well, it passes the scrutiny of all. This crispy fried tofu recipe is fantastic. The secret is dryness. So make sure to pat and press it before cooking. Give it time to let go of the water, then it’ll turn out crisp instead of soggy.
Once it’s fried, the cubes hold their shape and soak up sauce like a sponge. That’s the part that wins people over, the selection of dipping sauces you put out to go along with the tofu (check out our bbq and tomato sauces for dipping).
If you’re after a recipe that delivers golden tofu cubes with a crunchy outside and a tender center, check out the ingredients and instructions below.
Crispy Fried Tofu Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu (14-16 oz)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Crispy Fried Tofu Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in paper towels, set it on a plate, and place something heavy on top for 15 minutes.
- Once dry and the water is removed, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, toss tofu with soy sauce. Let it sit 2 minutes so the surface gets seasoned.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add tofu to the cornstarch mix and toss until each cube looks lightly coated. Shake off excess, too much coating can fall off in the oil.
- Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Fry in batches.
- Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Move tofu to a rack or paper towels.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while it’s hot.
- Serve with dipping sauce, or toss into a bowl with stir-fry sauce and veggies.
Nutrition
Calories: 220cal
Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: 300mg