How to fry tofu to crispy perfection in four easy ways! Use this step-by-step guide to learn how to cook this affordable yet delicious and versatile protein source!
How to Fry Tofu
Tofu is soft cheese-like curds derived from soya milk processing with a coagulant, then pressed down into white blocks. It’s usually sold in stores water-packed in sealed containers or aseptic cartons.
A staple in Asian cuisine, tofu is a very affordable yet delicious and versatile protein source. It has a bland, neutral taste and comes with a range of textures (silken, soft, and firm), making them easy to incorporate into sweet and savory applications.
How to prepare
Drain the tofu well. Wrap with a thick layer of paper towels to absorb the excess liquid.
For an extra crispy texture, press the tofu to extract moisture. You can use a kitchen tool called a tofu press or just set the wrapped tofu on a wire rack and weigh it down with a plate or bowl for about 15 to 20 minutes until dry to the touch.
Cut to a uniform size to ensure even cooking.
Four ways to cook
Depending on the recipe, tofu can be pan-fried or deep-fried. You can also air-fry or bake in the oven to cut down on fat.
Deep-Fry
Choose a high-smoke point oil such as canola, safflower, peanut, or avocado oil.
Use enough oil, and do not overcrowd the pan. Allow enough room to toss the tofu easily, so it’ll evenly brown.
Choose a high smoke point, neutral oil such as canola, safflower, peanut, or avocado oil. Heat and maintain the oil at the optimal temperature of 350 F to 375 F.
Carefully add the tofu to the hot oil and cook, occasionally stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
Air-Fry
Spray the air-fryer basket or tray with cooking spray.
In a bowl, toss cubes with about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to coat.
Arrange in a single layer in the basket. Do not overload and cook the tofu in batches as needed.
Spray the tofu with cooking spray and air-fry at 375 F for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning.
Remove from the air-fryer and keep warm.
Pan-Fry
Use a wide pan to allow more surface area for the tofu to have contact and crisp up.
Swirl oil to coat the bottom of the pan thoroughly. Heat until oil begins to shimmer, and add tofu pieces in a single layer.
Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned before turning to prevent tofu from falling apart.
Remove from the pan and drain on a wire rack.
Oven-Bake
In a bowl, toss tofu cubes with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If you want a super crispy texture, sprinkle in about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a 400 F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Remove from pan and keep warm.
Serving suggestions
Crispy tofu is delicious and filling on its own, but it also makes a great addition to various dishes. Use as a nutritious meal alternative in your favorite recipes.
Ginisang Togi at Tokwa-a light yet satisfying veggie stir-fry made with tofu cubes and crisp bean sprouts.
Lugaw at Tokwa-crunchy tofu makes a delightful topping for congee
Tokwa’t Baboy-succulent pork pieces and freshly-fried tofu are tossed in a tangy, spicy vinaigrette dressing
How to store
Fried tofu is best when freshly cooked, as it tends to get soggy over time.
If you have leftovers and don’t mind the softer texture, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a toaster or conventional oven for about 2 to 3 minutes or until warm and crispy.
You can reheat in the microwave, but the tofu will become soft and chewy.
How to Fry Tofu
Learn how to fry tofu using this step-by-step guide and enjoy this hearty and versatile superfood in a variety of delicious recipes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Press: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
1 package (12 ounces) firm tofu
canola oil
Instructions
Remove tofu from packaging and drain from packing liquid. Wrap in paper towels, set over a wire rack or colander and weigh down with a saucer or cup for about 15 to 20 minutes to extract moisture.
Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Pan-fry
In a pan over medium heat, add about 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl to fully coat bottom of pan. Heat until oil begins to shimmer but not smoking.
Add tofu in a single layer and cook until it begins to crisp, then turn. to brown other side.
WAIT until tofu begins to brown before turning or they will stick to pan and fall apart. Remove from pan and drain on a wire rack.
Deep-fry
In deep, wide pan, heat about 2-inches deep of oil to 350 F.
Add tofu and cook, turning as needed, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Do not overcrowd pan and cook in batches as needed.
With a slotted spoon, remove from pan and drain on a wire rack.
Oven-Bake
Preheat oven to 400 F.
In bowl, toss tofu cubes with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If you want a super crispy texture, sprinkle in about 1 tablespoon of corn starch and toss to evenly coat.
Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden-brown, turning halfway through.
Remove from pan and keep warm.
Air-fry
Spray the air-fryer basket or tray with cooking spray.
In a bowl, toss cubes with about 1 tablespoon of corn starch to coat. Arrange in a single layer in the basket. Do not overload and cook the tofu in batches as needed.
Spray the tofu with cooking spray and air-fry at 375 F for about 15 to 20 minutes or golden and crisp. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning.
Remove from the air-fryer and keep warm.
