Published 2/2/2024 Because this is a homemade crispy tofu recipe, you’ll know exactly what goes into it and can customize the ingredients to your liking. Some dishes are just better from a restaurant, and until we developed this recipe, the only way we were eating fried tofu stir fry was from a restaurant. Not anymore, friends! Welcome to your new favorite takeout alternative 😀 To make this great recipe, be sure to give yourself an hour beforehand to press the tofu so it can release its moisture. Then the rest is as easy as 1-2-3:
Main Ingredients for Tofu Stir Fry
Firm or extra-firm tofu: we recommend using either firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe as it holds its shape better when fried. Green onions: the base of the green onion salad, this adds a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. Rice vinegar: you’ll need rice vinegar for both the green onion salad and the stir fry sauce. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Soy sauce: you can’t have a stir fry without soy sauce! This gives the dish its umami flavor and adds a deep savory element. Chili garlic sauce: you can find this in the international section of most grocery stores. This adds a nice kick of spice to the stir fry. Veggies: we used staple stir fry vegetables like white mushrooms and bell peppers to give this dish a balance of flavors and textures. Ramen noodles: ramen noodles add a nice chewy texture to this stir fry and are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Stir fries are known for their versatility and customizability, so feel free to switch up the ingredients based on personal preference or what is convenient for you! For example, if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just note that the flavor might be slightly different. There are all kinds of chili sauces you could use in place of chili garlic sauce. If you are sensitive to spice, try using sriracha or a sweet chili sauce instead. We used mushrooms and bell peppers for the stir-fried veggies, but you could also use carrots, broccoli, or even snap peas instead. And if you can’t find ramen noodles, thin spaghetti noodles will taste just as good! Finally, for the tofu, if you don’t have avocado oil, feel free to use your favorite high-smoke point oil. Canola or vegetable oil are both good options. You could even try using sesame oil for a deeper flavor profile.
Top Tips for Tofu Stir Fry
The key to crispy, golden tofu is patience. Take your time while frying the tofu. Gently wiggle the tofu while it’s cooking; sometimes, it will stick to the pan. Don’t try to move it before it’s ready! Pressing the tofu is key for removing any excess moisture and getting it as crispy as possible. If you don’t have a tofu press, you may need to drain the water that builds up every 5-10 minutes while pressing. Don’t overcook the noodles. Follow package instructions and cook them until just al dente so they don’t become mushy when added to the stir fry later on.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Store any leftover stir fried tofu in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Crispy Pan Fried Tofu We don’t recommend freezing your fried tofu stir fry, as the tofu will lose its crispiness when thawed out.
What to Serve with Tofu Stir Fry
Fried tofu stir fry is a whole meal in itself, but if you want to add a little something extra to really round out the meal, we’ve got you! For something fresh and flavorful, our Sesame Soy Kale Salad and Ginger Pea Salad would be a wonderful palette cleanser. This stir fry would also taste fantastic with some Quick Ramen Eggs or Pork Dumplings for added protein, or some Kung Pao Baked Chicken Meatballs or Korean Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps as appetizers!
