This recipe will show you how to make delicious crispy tofu at home. If you think tofu is bleh or nasty, you must try this crispy tofu recipe.
This golden tofu recipe can be paired with grain bowls, salads, or sandwiches.
Cooking Tofu - 3 Steps
When cooking firm tofu there are 3 steps to follow to create a delicious tofu recipe. Follow these 3 steps:
- Press the tofu - this removes all the brine (or liquid) from the tofu which then allows the tofu space to absorb the marinade.
- Marinade the tofu- now that the tofu has been pressed and the extra liquid has been removed, it can absorb the marinade. This is what will flavor and enhance the recipe into actually good-tasting tofu.
- Coat the tofu - lastly, coat the tofu in seasoning and breading. This adds a crispy layer to the outside and additional seasoning and flavor.
We use these same 3 steps in our blackened tofu recipe.
Health Benefits
Tofu is a very high-protein food, it is low in calories and is a great source of plant-based protein. A 100-gram serving of tofu contains 10 grams of protein and just 85 calories. It also contains a small amount of fat, with the same serving of tofu containing just 5 grams of fat.
Protein aside, it is also a good source of iron, potassium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, and vitamin B.
Read more about the benefits of tofu and soy.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this crispy tofu recipe:
- extra firm tofu
- cornstarch
- marinade (recipe below)
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
PREP
Drain and press the tofu for 15 - 30 minutes.
Cut the tofu into triangles pieces (or however you prefer).
Toss and marinate the tofu for 15 - 30 minutes (or overnight).
Remove the tofu from the marinade.
Place in a container that you can toss in (something with a lid or a bag) and add cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time.
Note: The cornstarch should cover a thin layer over each side of the tofu, but if too much is added they will stick together and become too thickly coated. This will create a chalky-tasting coating.
COOK
Pan fry on medium heat with oil, and cook on each side until golden and crispy. About 3-5 minutes on each side.
Equipment
To make this recipe some prefer to use a tofu press, alternatively, you can use towels with something heavy like a cookbook or pan.
FAQ
Tofu is a plant-based protein source that is essentially a curd made from soybeans. Not only is tofu very high in protein, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Recipe
Crispy Tofu Recipe
Equipment
- tofu press optional
Ingredients
- 1 tofu block extra firm
- 1 to 4 tbsp cornstarch
MARINADE
- 4 tbsp tamari or liquid aminos
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu by draining and press the tofu for 15 - 30 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into triangles pieces (or however you prefer).
- Toss and marinate the tofu for 15 - 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Remove the tofu from the marinade.
- Place in a container that you can toss in (something with a lid or a bag) and add cornstarch 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Note: The cornstarch should cover a thin layer over each side of the tofu, but if too much is added they will stick together and become too thickly coated. This will create a chalky-tasting coating.
- Pan fry on medium heat with oil, cook on each side until golden and crispy. About 3-5 minutes on each side.
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER HIGH SOURCES OF VEGAN PROTEIN RECIPES:
- Blackened Tofu - a crispy and flavorful blackened tofu recipe perfect for wraps like this creamy kale wrap recipe, adding to salads, or sandwiches.
- Tofu Scramble - a quick and easy breakfast scramble made with crumbled tofu.
- Black Bean Quinoa Taco "Meat" - a whole food plant-based protein made with black beans and quinoa perfect for tacos, Mexican-inspired bowls, or burritos.
- Smoky Tempeh Sandwich - a smoky savory tempeh recipe inspired to substitute a BLT sandwich.
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