Nutrition

How to Make Crispy Tofu (Quick + Simple)

Ztec 100

June 15, 2023

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Inside: Get a simple crispy tofu recipe that wins over even tofu skeptics! It’s prepared in beneath half-hour.

A bowl of crispy tofu with broccoli and brown rice on a white countertop.

Tofu generally is a powerful promote for some youngsters and grown-ups.

It seems a little bit humorous and feels a little bit squishy.

But tofu can be a superb, plant-based supply of protein. It soaks up flavors like a champ. And when you’re making extra meatless meals (or are vegetarian and simply by no means discovered your tofu groove), discovering the easiest way to prepare dinner it’s key.

I already bake cubes of tofu within the oven for my Tofu Bowls and make these crunchy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets.

I first realized about this cooking technique from this Pinch of Yum recipe. And I believe this manner makes the perfect crispy tofu. Dare I say, it’s a game-changer–particularly for folk on the tofu-fence.

I’m not saying this technique is magic, however once I made it not too long ago for my Tofu Bowls, it was the primary time my youthful son truly added the tofu to his bowl and ate it.

A bowl of crumbled tofu with a bottle of soy sauce, corn starch, and olive oil beside it.

Ingredients You Need for Crispy Tofu

Tofu: Tofu is available in a number of completely different varieties. Buy extra-firm tofu for this recipe.
Soy sauce: You can use common soy sauce. I purchase low sodium soy sauce, which remains to be very flavorful.
Corn starch: This ensures you get crispy outcomes
Oil: I take advantage of olive oil, however you should utilize one other impartial oil

How to Make Crispy Tofu

A block of tofu between paper towels with a black cast iron pan on top of it.

Press the tofu

To cut back the squish-factor, you’ll need to press out further moisture from the tofu. Some individuals have a tofu press. But I’m low-tech and easily use paper towels and a forged iron pan to press tofu.

Place the tofu block on a plate between folded paper towels (or clear kitchen towel) and place a heavy object on high, like a forged iron skillet. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes, sometimes draining away the surplus liquid.

Tofu being crumbled by hand over a glass bowl.

Break up the tofu

Instead of slicing it into tofu cubes, break it up into irregular bite-sized items. That method, you get extra floor space for frivolously frying it–which is able to make it crispy. Take the block of pressed tofu in your fingers and crumble it right into a mixing bowl.

A bowl of tofu pieces tossed with soy sauce.

Prep the tofu

Add 2 teaspoons of the oil, plus the soy sauce and corn starch to the tofu. The corn starch helps make the tofu crispy, so don’t skip that step.

Two pictures of a skillet of tofu. One before it's cooked and flipped, one after.

Pan fry the tofu

Add the remaining oil to a non-stick pan set on medium warmth. Place your tofu items in a single layer within the pan of scorching oil. Let it sit, undisturbed, for about 10 minutes. You can peek to ensure it’s not getting too brown too rapidly.

Flip the tofu with a spatula (it might flip in a number of large items). It will probably be a deep golden brown (see photograph above). Let it prepare dinner for one more 10 minutes.

A bowl of crispy tofu with broccoli and brown rice sits on a cloth napkin on a white countertop.

FAQ About Crispy Tofu

What ought to I serve with Crispy Tofu?

I counsel breaking apart the items, and including them to a bowl with rice and your favourite steamed or stir-fried veggies. Then drizzle every thing with sauce similar to teriyaki sauce, candy soy sauce, or peanut sauce. I discovered that including sauce to the pan and tossing the items in sauce resulted in a extra soggy tofu. And that’s the other of what we’re going for right here!

What ought to I do with leftover Crispy Tofu?

Put any leftovers in an hermetic container and refrigerate. Use inside 3-5 days.

Can I take advantage of much less oil?

Yes, however it might not end up as crispy. This recipe makes use of simply 4 teaspoons of oil, which works out to 1 teaspoon per serving.

A bowl of crispy tofu with broccoli and rice.

Is tofu good for you?

Yes! Soy is wealthy in high-quality protein, which signifies that (like meat) it comprises the entire amino acids we have to get from meals to construct proteins within the physique. There’s additionally proof that soy meals could assist decrease threat of coronary heart illness.

Is soy protected?

Yes! You could have heard rumors that soy is unhealthy–particularly for youths. Some individuals fear that the isoflavones, pure plant compounds present in soy which have the same chemical construction to estrogen, might intervene with puberty and improvement.

But analysis hasn’t discovered this to be true. And ladies who eat soy as a teen and younger grownup could have a decrease threat of breast most cancers later in life.

What is tofu?

Tofu is constructed from soybeans which were boiled down and separated into soy milk and soy pulp. The soy milk is fashioned into curds (like cheese is) and pressed. “Extra firm tofu” is pressed greater than the softer “silken tofu” selection.

Where can I discover tofu within the retailer?

Tofu is refrigerated, so it’s possible you’ll discover it in locations just like the produce part, the dairy division, or a “natural foods” refrigerated case. The styles of tofu it’s possible you’ll discover included further agency, agency, and silken.

The Best Crispy Tofu

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Put this crispy tofu into rice and veggie bowls and win over even the largest tofu skeptics!

Ingredients

1 block further agency tofu
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 teaspoons olive oil (divided)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, break up the tofu along with your fingers, crumbling it into bite-sized items.
Add cornstarch, soy sauce, and a couple of teaspoons olive oil to the tofu and toss properly till items are lined.
Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in a medium-large skillet. Add the tofu items in a single layer and let it prepare dinner undisturbed for 10 minutes. Flip rigorously and prepare dinner for one more 10 minutes.
Break up into servings and add to bowls or different recipes.

How to Make Crispy Tofu (Quick + Simple)

Ingredients You Need for Crispy Tofu