How to Cook Tofu
A simple pan-fried tofu recipe that shows how to cook tofu at home using just five basic ingredients. Perfect for beginners and a great way to make crispy tofu for bowls, stir-fries, or salads.
Servings: 4
Calories: 141kcal
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the tofu
Instructions
- Press the tofu block by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing something heavy on top, such as a pot, skillet, or a few books. Let it press for about 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture so the tofu cooks up crispier. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but pressing the tofu helps it brown better and improves its texture.
- Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce and garlic powder, then gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Transfer the tofu cubes to a large zip-top bag, add the cornstarch, seal the bag, and shake until the tofu is evenly coated. You can also toss the tofu with the cornstarch in a bowl if you prefer.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on most sides. Remove from the skillet and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It may lose some crispiness, but it will still taste good.
- You can freeze cooked tofu for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may become slightly chewier after freezing.
- Reheat the tofu in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, or in the oven until warmed through to help bring back some crispiness.
- For the best texture, cook the tofu in a single layer and avoid moving it for the first few minutes so it can develop a golden crust.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 256mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 1mg
