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The Best & Easiest Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

This recipe for crispy pan-fried tofu delivers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy extra-firm tofu with a golden, crunchy crust. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy tofu that's great as a snack, appetizer, or protein-packed addition to your meals.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tofu and Coating

  • 14 ounces extra-firm tofu (one block)
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper (plus more to taste)

Cooking Oil

  • 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Line a plate with several paper towels and place the block of tofu on top. Cover with two or three more paper towels, then stack three or four plates on top to press down evenly. Let drain for 20 to 30 minutes, ensuring plates remain balanced to remove excess moisture from the tofu. This step helps the tofu crisp up better when cooked.
  2. Cut the tofu: Remove the tofu from the paper towels and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles as preferred for even cooking and easy handling.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable or canola oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering hot, preparing for frying the tofu.
  4. Prepare the coating: In a large plate or shallow baking dish, mix together the corn starch, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper. This mixture will create the crispy coating on the tofu.
  5. Coat the tofu: Working in batches, dredge each tofu piece in the corn starch mixture, turning them to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess coating to prevent clumping in the pan.
  6. Fry the tofu: Carefully add the coated tofu pieces to the hot oil in the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy.
  7. Drain excess oil: Once browned and crisp, remove the tofu from the pan and place on several layers of paper towels to blot off excess oil and keep the tofu crispy.
  8. Serve: Serve the crispy pan-fried tofu immediately as a snack, appetizer, or incorporate into your favorite dishes. Add extra salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu is essential to remove moisture and achieve crispiness.
  • Use extra-firm tofu for best results; softer varieties will not hold up well when pan-fried.
  • Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in soggy tofu.
  • You can adjust seasoning in the coating or add spices like garlic powder or paprika for flavor variations.
  • Serve with dipping sauces such as soy sauce or spicy mayo for added taste.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/the-best-and-easiest-crispy-pan-fried-tofu-recipe/