Crispy Pan Fried Tofu - Crunchy, salty, sweet and addictive! These are great as an appetizer or snack.
What I like about cooking with Tofu is that it’s a blank slate which absorbs the flavors you give it and can be steamed, baked, or stir fried. So have fun and experiment with different seasonings and flavors!
Notes:
Extra firm tofu works best but firm will work as well.
The most important step is to press and remove excess liquid to get the crispy texture. Pressed tofu will also absorb the seasonings better.
When adding tofu to the pan, make sure they don’t touch each other at first as they will stick together when the sides are soft.
Once you add the sauce, serve right away as the longer the tofu sits in the sauce, the softer they become.
You can pan fry the tofu ahead of time ( but don’t refrigerate as they will get soft) and reheat with the sauce before serving
Crispy Pan Fried Tofu
Ingredients
1 ( 14-16oz) block of extra firm tofu, drained 2 Tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
1/2 teaspoon salt 2-4 Tablespoons vegetable, grape seed or avocado oil
Sauce
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/2 Tablespoon sesame oil 2 Tablespoons honey, maple syrup or sugar 1 teaspoon potato starch or cornstarch
Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce, red chili flakes, or gochugaru ( Korean chili flakes)
Optional garnish: green onions or sesame seeds
Directions
Fold up a paper towel and place on a plate. Place tofu and add another paper towel on top. Put a heavy item such as a cast iron pan or a large can to on top to remove excess liquid. Leave for about 30 minutes, changing out the paper towels halfway.
In a bowl, mix together cornstarch and salt. Slice tofu into cubes. Add to the bowl and gently toss together with your hands to make sure they are evenly coated.
Heat oil in a large pan. Add tofu in one layer, making sure they don’t touch each other at first as they will stick together. Cook until browned on all sides. Meanwhile, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
Once tofu is crisp and browned, add the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Place on a serving platter and top with optional green onions and/or sesame seeds.