Crispy Tofu
Crispy tofu is a delightful vegan dish that’s perfect for serving as a main course or adding a tasty crunch to your favorite dishes. This recipe focuses on transforming simple blocks of extra-firm tofu into golden, crispy nuggets that can elevate any meal. With a beautifully crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful inside, it’s hard to believe this dish is so quick to make, clocking in at just 20 minutes of cook time! You won’t have to worry about soggy, bland tofu here; this method ensures each cube is a delight to the senses.
My love affair with crispy tofu began during a weekend cooking session with friends. We set out to create something that would be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The moment those crispy cubes emerged from the skillet, their golden edges glistening, I knew we had struck gold. Perfect for salads, grain bowls, or even just snacking, this versatile dish offers endless possibilities. Trust me, once you try this crispy tofu recipe, you’ll be tempted to make it regularly, impressing everyone at your dinner table!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Irresistible Flavor: Tossed in smokey soy sauce and fragrant sesame oil, every bite bursts with flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Crispy, golden cubes are not just delicious but also visually stunning on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Great as a main dish or added to salads, rice bowls, or wraps for an extra kick.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free versions are easily attainable with just a swap of soy sauce for tamari.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu: The star ingredient, extra-firm tofu gives the best texture for that crispy outside and soft inside. Look for organic options if possible.
- Kosher salt: A pinch helps enhance the tofu’s flavor while it cooks. Feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot starch): This is key for creating that crunchy coating. Arrowroot works as a great gluten-free substitute.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for frying, it helps create a crispy texture. You can use any neutral oil you prefer, but extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: This ingredient gives your tofu a delightful, nutty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons smoked soy sauce or soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): For a rich, umami flavor, smoked soy sauce works wonders, but regular soy sauce or tamari will do if you need it gluten-free.
How to Make Crispy Tofu
Cut and Prepare: Start by cutting the 14 ounces of extra firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Once cut, pat the cubes dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving the crispy texture. Add them to a bowl, sprinkling with 2 pinches of kosher salt to season.
Coat with Starch: Next, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot starch) over the tofu. Use a spatula to gently toss the cubes, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This coating is what makes the outside so crispy once cooked.
Heat the Oil: Grab a large, cold non-stick skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Note that starting with a cold skillet is essential to avoid sticking. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer without crowding the pan.
Cook Until Golden: Set the heat to medium-high. Let the tofu cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned and crispy. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens!
Flip and Continue to Cook: Carefully remove the skillet from the heat briefly to prevent spitting, then flip the tofu cubes over using a spatula. Place the pan back on the heat and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the other side is also nicely browned.
Add Flavorful Oils: Take the skillet off the heat briefly again and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of your choice of soy sauce (or tamari). Return to low heat, continuing to cook and turn the tofu until the sauce evaporates and the cubed tofu darkens slightly, about another 2 minutes. Don’t forget to adjust seasoning by adding a pinch of salt if desired.
Serve or Store: Serve your crispy tofu immediately while it’s hot, or if you want to save it, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. It’s excellent added to salads or grain bowls, giving you a dose of crunchy goodness whenever you need it!
Storing & Reheating
For best results, store any leftover crispy tofu in the fridge in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, place the tofu in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to 3 months. When reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore its crispy texture. Just keep in mind that the tofu may not be as crunchy when reheated, but a little revival in the oven can bring it close!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Aim to use extra firm tofu, as softer varieties will not give you the same crispy texture.
- Dry the tofu thoroughly by pressing it with a towel; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch based on how crunchy you want your tofu to be; more means a crunchier bite!
- If using a stainless-steel skillet, be extra careful as sticking can occur; a non-stick version is best for this method.
- Feel free to experiment with flavor by adding spices or herbs into the cornstarch mixture before coating the cubes!
Crispy tofu is truly a fantastic dish that’s not only fast and easy to whip up but also leaves you with a range of options for serving it. Perfect for a quick lunch, a colorful dinner plate, or simply as a snack, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Feel free to play around with spices or sauces to find your perfect flavor match!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of tofu for this recipe?
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Can I bake the tofu instead of frying it?
What can I serve crispy tofu with?
More Dinner Recipes
- Blood Orange Salad
- Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Potstickers
- Crispy Fried Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Orange Chicken
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Crispy Tofu
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crispy Tofu is a delightful blend of flavor and simplicity. With just a few ingredients like tofu, sesame oil, and soy sauce, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or as a tasty addition to your favorite salads and bowls. Enjoy the crunch and savory aromas in every bite!
Ingredients
- 14-ounces extra firm tofu
- kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons smoked soy sauce or soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and dry them with a clean towel.
- In a bowl, combine the tofu with a pinch of kosher salt and coat with cornstarch, turning gently with a spatula.
- Pour olive oil into a large, cold non-stick skillet and add the tofu in a single layer.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned.
- Remove the skillet from the heat briefly to avoid spitting and flip the tofu using a spatula.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until browned.
- Remove from heat again and drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce over the tofu, taking care of spitting.
- Return to low heat and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce evaporates and the tofu darkens. Add more salt if desired and serve right away or refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
Notes
To ensure crispiness, be sure to use a non-stick skillet as directed.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and added to salads or grain bowls for a quick meal.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
