Crispy Fried Tofu
This fried tofu is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes with only 6 simple ingredients. A quick, protein-packed option that’s perfect for adding to salads, bowls, and more.
Servings: 4
Calories: 165kcal
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu drained and cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 to 6 tablespoons cornstarch I usually use 6
- 1 to 2 tablespoons oil I use olive oil
Instructions
- For maximum crispiness, you can press the tofu first. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. That said, I usually skip this step to save time, and it still turns out really good.
- Add the tofu cubes, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to a large bowl.
- Mix until well combined and let it sit for at least 5 minutes so the tofu can absorb some of the flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip this step.
- Drain any excess liquid and discard it. Transfer the tofu cubes to a large zip-top bag, add the cornstarch, seal the bag, and shake until evenly coated. Use more or less depending on how crispy you want it, up to about 6 tablespoons for extra crispy tofu. You can also toss the tofu with the cornstarch in a bowl if you prefer.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the tofu in a single layer.
- Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally so it cooks evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. The microwave works too, but the tofu will be softer and less crispy.
- It’s best served fresh, as it loses some crispiness over time.
- Freezing is not recommended, as the texture changes and it won’t be as good after thawing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg
