Crispy Fried Tofu
Crispy Fried Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices or cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, or enough for shallow frying
Instructions
- 1
Press the extra-firm tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in a few layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it on a plate and put something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans). Let it press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This is crucial for crispy tofu.
⏱️ 30 min
- 2
After pressing, unwrap the tofu and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices or 1-inch cubes, depending on your preference.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
In a shallow dish or a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine the seasonings.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Add the tofu pieces to the cornstarch mixture. Gently toss or carefully turn the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly coated. You want a thin, even layer of the cornstarch mixture on all sides.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of tofu sizzles immediately when added.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Carefully place the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry the tofu in batches.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Fry the tofu for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the tofu pieces to cook evenly on all sides.
⏱️ 12 min
- 8
Once all sides are golden and crispy, remove the fried tofu from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
⏱️ 1 min
- 9
Serve the crispy fried tofu immediately as a main dish, in stir-fries, salads, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Crispy Fried Tofu
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices or cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, or enough for shallow frying
Instructions
- 1
Press the extra-firm tofu: Wrap the block of tofu in a few layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place it on a plate and put something heavy on top (like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans). Let it press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This is crucial for crispy tofu.
⏱️ 30 min - 2
After pressing, unwrap the tofu and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices or 1-inch cubes, depending on your preference.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
In a shallow dish or a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine the seasonings.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Add the tofu pieces to the cornstarch mixture. Gently toss or carefully turn the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly coated. You want a thin, even layer of the cornstarch mixture on all sides.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of tofu sizzles immediately when added.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Carefully place the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry the tofu in batches.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Fry the tofu for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the tofu pieces to cook evenly on all sides.
⏱️ 12 min - 8
Once all sides are golden and crispy, remove the fried tofu from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
⏱️ 1 min - 9
Serve the crispy fried tofu immediately as a main dish, in stir-fries, salads, or with your favorite dipping sauce.