Published 4/22/2023 • Updated 1/16/2024 PS: Make sure you have something heavy on hand like a stack of books or a cast iron pan to press the moisture out of the tofu! This is literally the crispiest, most perfect pan fried tofu recipe on the internet. This is our go-to method for cooking tofu, especially for stir fries and salad toppers. The answer to crispy tofu? CORN STARCH. It truly helps it get nice and crispy. Begin by removing the moisture from your tofu. Then, slice it in half and then into chunks. Toss it on corn starch and carefully fry every single side of your tofu in oil until crunchy.
What You Need for Pan-Fried Tofu
Tofu: we tested this recipe with both firm AND extra-firm tofu so make sure you use one or the other if you want to get crunchy tofu! Corn starch: corn starch helps the tofu get nice and crunchy. Don’t skip it. Salt: make sure to salt your tofu! Oil: for this recipe, we used avocado oil, but you can also try using another mild-tasting oil like sunflower oil.
How to Cook Tofu on the Stove
To make pan-fried tofu, you’ll need firm or extra-firm tofu, oil for frying, and your favorite seasonings or marinade. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making perfect pan-fried tofu every time:
Sharp knife Books or heavy cast iron pan Cutting board Paper towel/tea towel
Tofu
Top Tips for the Perfect Tofu
Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results. Silken tofu is too delicate for pan-frying. Cast Iron Pan Press the tofu to remove excess water. Feel free to stack books or place a heavy cast iron skillet or Dutch oven on top. This will help the tofu crisp up and brown nicely. Use a non-stick pan and heat the oil before adding the tofu. This will prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave some space between the tofu pieces so they can cook evenly. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades. Tofu is a blank canvas that can be flavored in many different ways.
Storage Tips for Pan Fried Tofu
Storing fried tofu can be tricky, as it tends to lose its crispy texture and become soggy when stored in the refrigerator. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to help keep your fried tofu fresh and delicious for as long as possible. First, it’s important to allow the tofu to cool completely before storing it. This will help prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to sogginess. Once the tofu has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use a plastic container with a lid or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container to help keep the tofu fresh. Store the tofu in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat: When you’re ready to use the tofu, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating it. To reheat the tofu, you can heat it up in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s heated through and crispy.
How to Serve Crispy Tofu
Salad: if you’re looking for a plant-based protein option for salads, this tofu recipe should be your go-to! Stir fry: swap out the protein in any of our stir fry recipes with this tofu! Or, make your own tofu stir fry with our homemade stir fry sauce. With a dip: dip this tofu in our green sauce, vegan cheese sauce, or hot honey sauce.
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