Crispy Pan Fried Tofu – Match Foodie Finds

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook tofu, look no further than this pan-fried tofu recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create crispy and flavorful tofu that’s perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, and more.

What is tofu and what is tofu made of?

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food made from soybeans. To make tofu, soybeans are soaked, ground, and boiled with water to create soy milk. A coagulant is then added to the soy milk to curdle it and create solid curds. The curds are then pressed and shaped into blocks, which can be sliced or diced and used in a variety of dishes.

What does tofu taste like?

Tofu has a mild flavor and a soft, slightly crumbly texture. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as stir-fried, baked, grilled, or blended into smoothies or desserts.

What You Need for Pan-Fried Tofu

Pan-fried tofu is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is easy to make, packed with protein, and a great addition to any meal.

Tofu: this recipe calls for firm or extra firm tofu. 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:

1. To start, you’ll need a 16-ounce block of firm or extra firm tofu, drained and sliced in half lengthwise. Wrap the tofu in a paper towel or tea towel and set a heavy pan on top for about an hour to press out excess moisture.
2. Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into 1-inch cubes and add them to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl and toss until all of the tofu pieces are coated.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat until it is very hot. Use tongs to place the tofu in the oil, being careful as the oil may splatter. Gently move each piece of tofu around in the pan to prevent sticking.
4. Fry the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once the tofu is done, remove it from the pan and season with salt to taste.

Top Tips for the Perfect Tofu

Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results. Silken tofu is too delicate for pan-frying.

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.

How to Serve Crispy Tofu

Storage

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.