Best 20 Crispy Tofu Recipes

CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Blot tofu dry. Cut into 3/4-in. cubes. Place on a clean kitchen towel; cover with another towel. Place a cutting board on top; gently place a large cast iron skillet on top. Let stand 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Add tofu to soy mixture; turn to coat. Add tofu, a few pieces at a time, to the cornstarch; toss to coat. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until cubes are golden brown and crispy, 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

CRISPY SZECHUAN-STYLE EGGPLANT AND TOFU

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine 2/3 cup of the cornstarch, the salt and pepper. Toss the eggplant pieces in the cornstarch mixture to coat, shaking off the excess; set aside. Repeat the process with the tofu.
• Heat 1/2 inch of the peanut oil in a large, deep, straight-sided skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Working in batches, cook the eggplant first, tossing gently until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and the tofu.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
• Carefully drain the oil from the skillet, and wipe out any residue using paper towels held with tongs. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ginger, about 1 teaspoon of the minced chiles (or to taste) and the garlic. Cook, stirring, until just fragrant, about 30 seconds; pour in the chicken stock mixture and bring it to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the cooked eggplant and tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in the sesame oil and remove from the heat. Serve immediately over rice and garnished with the remaining minced chiles if desired and chopped cilantro.

CRISPY FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place onto a plate. Set another plate on top, and place a 3- to 5-pound weight on top. Press tofu for about 20 minutes; drain and discard the accumulated liquid.
• Cut tofu into 1-inch by 2-inch chunks. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt onto one slide; flip over and sprinkle remaining 1/4 teaspoon on the other.
• Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. To test if the oil is ready, dip a chopstick or wooden spoon in it; if bubbles rise, it is ready. If the oil smokes, it is too hot.
• Gently place 5 to 8 pieces of tofu at a time in hot oil using metal tongs. Be very careful as oil may splatter; use a splatter guard if possible. Fry tofu until golden, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Drain tofu on a plate lined with several paper towels. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

CRISPY TOFU BITES

Steps:

• Drain tofu, place on a plate, and stack heavy plates on top of it to drain any extra moisture, at least 15 minutes. Slice into 24 bite-size pieces.
• Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Toss tofu into bag, seal completely, and shake to coat. Transfer tofu pieces to a plate, shaking off any excess flour.
• Pour vegetable oil into a skillet; heat on medium-high until just smoking. Cook tofu, turning often, until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.

CRISPY TOFU WITH BLACK PEPPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix first four ingredients. Mince white parts of green onions; thinly slice green parts., Cut tofu into 1/2-in. cubes; pat dry with paper towels. Toss tofu with cornstarch. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu; cook until crisp and golden brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan; drain on paper towels., In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add peas; stir-fry until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan., In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add pepper; cook 30 seconds. Add garlic, ginger and minced green onions; stir-fry 30-45 seconds. Stir in soy sauce mixture; cook and stir until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; stir in tofu and peas. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

CRISPY TERIYAKI TOFU

Steps:

• Whisk teriyaki sauce, green onions, sherry, garlic, Sriracha sauce, and ginger paste together until smooth. Set aside.
• Place cornstarch in a gallon-sized plastic zip-top bag. Drop tofu slices into the bag, seal, and gently shake until all the tofu is coated.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu for 5 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook until browned on the second side, about 5 minutes more. Transfer the tofu to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
• Pour reserved sauce into the skillet and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Return the tofu to the skillet and toss to combine. Transfer the tofu to serving plates and spoon sauce on top just before serving.

ASIAN CRISPY TOFU SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk all ingredients except for tofu in a 9x9 inch square baking dish.
• Drain and slice tofu in half lengthwise to make two thinner slabs. Blot with a paper towel.
• Preheat non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick spray. Slide tofu slices onto skillet and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully with a large spatula. Brown it nicely to give it color and texture.
• Slip tofu slices into marinade, and turn with spatula at least once. While the tofu is sitting in the marinade, cut each slab 3 times lengthwise and widthwise with a sharp knife to make 16 squares per slab. Toss carefully.
• Let marinate for up to 30 minutes and remove garlic and ginger slices before serving warm, at room temperature or chilled.

CRISPY BARBEQUED TOFU SLICES

Steps:

• Drain tofu, and slice into strips. Place in a plastic bag or container, and freeze overnight. This will give the tofu a meatier texture. Thaw tofu strips, and blot with paper towels to dry.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of barbeque sauce. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip the tofu slices into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour. Fry in the hot oil for about 1 minute on each side, until golden brown. Just fry enough at one time so they are not crowded. Remove from the oil to paper towels to drain and cool.
• Preheat the oven's broiler. Brush tofu slices with additional barbeque sauce, and allow to marinate while the broiler heats up. Arrange them on a broiler pan, or wire rack set over a cookie sheet for best results.
• Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned and crisp, watching closely so as not to burn them. Serve warm with the remaining barbeque sauce for dipping.

CRISPY GENERAL TSO'S TOFU

Steps:

• Whisk broth, soy sauce, hoisin, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ginger, vinegar, brown sugar, white pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl. Set sauce aside.
• Place remaining cornstarch in a resealable, zip-top plastic bag. Tear off bite-sized chunks of tofu and drop them into the bag. Shake until each piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle on cornstarch by hand, if needed, to coat each piece well.
• Heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add tofu pieces one by one and cook until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to move and turn the pieces until browned on all sides, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
• Pour out any remaining oil. Add the white parts of the green onions and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the sauce. Allow to heat and thicken, about 2 minutes. Return the tofu to the wok and toss to coat. Discard ginger. Garnish with green onion tops, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

RICE NOODLE SALAD WITH CRISPY TOFU AND LIME-PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Place the rice threads in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let sit for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes and add 1 tablespoon peanut oil, canola oil or rice bran oil. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and saute on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Cut in matchsticks.
• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste if desired. Drain the noodles and add to the boiling water. Boil 1 minute, then drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and using a scissors, cut into manageable lengths. Transfer to a salad bowl and add the tofu, red pepper, chives, cilantro, lettuce and half the peanuts.
• Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour over the noodles and toss together. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top and serve.

SOBA NOODLES WITH VEGETABLES, CRISPY TOFU, AND TOASTED SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• In a 6-quart kettle bring 5 quarts salted water to a boil for noodles.
• Peel and cut pear into matchstick pieces.
• In a large non-stick skillet heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over moderately high heat and brown tofu. Transfer tofu with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and season with salt and pepper.
• Add carrots to skillet and sauté, stirring, until just tender and golden brown. Transfer carrots with slotted spoon to a bowl. Add to skillet remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, mushrooms, scallions, gingerroot, and pear and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender. Remove skillet from heat and stir in carrots.
• Cook noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain noodles in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water. In a large bowl toss noodles with 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
• Return skillet to moderate heat and add 1/4 cup water, tamari or soy sauce, vinegar, and remaining teaspoon sesame oil. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring, until hot. Add noddles, tossing to combine and adding more water if necessary, and cook until heated through. Season noodles with salt and pepper and serve warm topped with tofu and sesame seeds.

CRISPY TOFU WITH MAPLE-SOY GLAZE

Steps:

• Drain tofu, then sandwich between several layers of kitchen towels to remove excess liquid. Cut into 9 cubes.
• Whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ginger in a small bowl.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. When oil is rippling across the surface, carefully add tofu so it doesn't splash. Cook, undisturbed, until very crisp and dark brown underneath, 3-4 minutes. Carefully turn and repeat on opposite side. Holding tofu back with a spatula or slotted spoon, pour out oil into a small bowl. Return skillet to medium-high heat and add soy sauce mixture. Cook, reducing heat to medium so it doesn't over-reduce or burn and basting tofu occasionally, until glaze is thick enough to coat a spoon, about 4 minutes.
• Divide tofu among plates. Drizzle with glaze, then top with scallions. Serve with rice alongside.

TWICE-COOKED CRISPY FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
• Pat tofu dry with a paper towel. Slice in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/4-inch pieces, about 14 pieces in total. Place tofu between paper towels and drain, about 20 minutes.
• Season tofu with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Mix cornstarch, paprika, thyme, and seasoned salt together to make cornstarch seasoning.
• Pat any excess moisture off the tofu. Sprinkle cornstarch seasoning evenly over top. Arrange on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until tofu starts to brown, about 7 minutes. Turn over and continue baking until the upper side is darkened, about 3 minutes more.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and fry until golden-brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Leave the tofu in its packaging and freeze for at least 24 hours and up to 1 week. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow to defrost for one day. Once it has defrosted, remove it from the package and drain, then wrap in it paper towels, hold it over the sink and press with your hands to remove much of the liquid.
• Preheat oven to 350 deg.
• Cut the tofu into 1 inch cubes.
• Press or finely mince the garlic, mix together with all other ingredients in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
• Add the tofu cubes and gently toss to combine with the marinade.
• Bake for 45 minutes, turning the tofu three or four times, until the tofu is browned and most of the marinade is absorbed or evaporated.
• Serve immediately or cool and refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.

AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SOY TOFU RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Prepare the tofu: Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
• Remove the tofu from the package and lay on the prepared baking sheet. Top with 2 more paper towels and another baking sheet and weigh down with a heavy pan or cast iron skillet. Press the tofu for 30-60 minutes to remove excess liquid before frying. This can be done up to 2 days ahead; store the pressed tofu in an airtight container until ready to use.
• After pressing, transfer the tofu to a cutting board and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the potato starch, ground ginger, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Add the tofu cubes and toss until well coated on all sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
• Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, shake off the excess flour from each piece of tofu and place in the air fryer. Fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Transfer to a medium bowl while you repeat with the remaining tofu.
• While the tofu fries, make the sauce: in a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, honey, sambal, garlic, and rice wine. Cook over medium heat until the sauce reduces and starts to thicken, 5-7 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water and the cornstarch to make a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin out with water as needed.
• Pour the sauce over the tofu and toss until well coated. Save any remaining sauce for dipping if desired, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Arrange the tofu on a platter and top with the sesame seeds, scallions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Serve over steamed rice with your favorite steamed vegetable, such as broccoli.
• Enjoy!

CRISPY SALT & PEPPER TOFU

Steps:

• Press tofu to remove excess moisture. To do so, line a plate with several paper towels. Place tofu on paper towels and top with two or three more paper towels. Place three or four more plates on top of the tofu, making sure they're well-balanced. Drain for 20 - 30 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure plates are still balanced (toppling plates = bummer!)
• Remove tofu from paper towels. Place on cutting board and cut tofu into squares or rectangles, as desired.
• Add the vegetable or canola oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the corn starch, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a large plate or shallow baking dish. Mix.
• Working in batches, dredge the tofu in the corn starch mixture, turning to coat evenly.
• Carefully add tofu to hot oil in skillet. Cook over medium-high for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
• Remove tofu from pan and place on several paper towels, blotting to remove excess oil.
• Serve as desired.

CRISPY BAKED TOFU WITH PINEAPPLE, AVOCADO & CORN SALAD #A1

Steps:

• Cut the tofu into bite-size cubes and place in a medium bowl.
• Toss with 1/4 cup A1 Sauce.
• Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more.
• Toss with the 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer tofu cubes to a large nonstick baking sheet and bake for 25-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Let cool on baking sheet.
• Make the salad while the tofu is baking. Stir together the A1 Sauce, pineapple juice, and olive oil in a small bowl.
• Using a large bowl toss the dressing with the remaining ingredients, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the A1 baked tofu.

BROWN RICE BOWL WITH CRISPY TOFU AND VEGETABLES RECIPE - (5/5)

Steps:

• 1. PREPARE RICE AND DRESSING: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Spread 2 1/3 cups short-grain brown rice in 8-inch-square baking dish. 3. Bring 3½ cups water and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil to boil in small saucepan. Once boiling, stir in ½ teaspoon salt and immediately pour water over rice in baking dish. 4. Cover dish tightly with double layer of aluminum foil. Transfer baking dish to oven and bake rice until tender, about 1 hour. 5. Remove baking dish from oven and uncover. Fluff rice with fork, then cover dish with clean kitchen towel; let rice stand 5 minutes. Uncover and let rice stand 5 minutes longer. 6. Meanwhile, bring 6 tablespoons rice vinegar, 6 tablespoons mirin, and ½ teaspoon sugar to boil in small saucepan, then remove from heat. Measure 1/3 cup of mixture into small bowl. 7. Grate ½ teaspoon zest from 1 orange and ½ teaspoon zest from 1 lime. Squeeze 1 tablespoon juice from orange and 1 tablespoon juice from lime. 8. Add zests and juices to vinegar mixture in bowl, along with 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Reserve dressing for serving. 9. Transfer rice to large bowl, sprinkle with remaining vinegar mixture, and toss occasionally with wooden paddle or spoon until cool, about 20 minutes. 10. PREPARE VEGETABLES: Thinly slice 6 radishes and set aside for serving. 11. Peel and halve lengthwise 1 cucumber. Use spoon to scoop and discard seeds. Slice seeded cucumber crosswise into thin half circles. 12. PREPARE TOFU: Cut 2 (14-ounce) blocks soft tofu crosswise into ¾-inch-thick slabs, then slice each slab into two fingers. 13. Spread tofu over paper towel-lined baking sheet and let drain for 20 minutes. Gently press tofu dry with paper towels. 14. Adjust oven rack to middle position, place paper towel-lined plate on rack, and heat oven to 200 degrees. 15. Place wire rack over rimmed baking sheet. Whisk ¾ cup cornstarch and ¼ cup cornmeal together in shallow dish. 16. Season drained tofu with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. 17. Working with a few pieces at a time, coat tofu thoroughly with cornstarch mixture, pressing to help it adhere, then transfer to prepared wire rack. 18. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large nonstick skillet over medium‑high heat until shimmering. 19. Carefully lay half of tofu in skillet and cook until crisp and lightly golden on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. 20. Using spatula, gently transfer tofu to plate in oven. 21. Return skillet to medium‑high heat and repeat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and remaining tofu. 22. Halve, pit, and peel 1 ripe avocado. Slice avocado thin. 23. Portion rice into six individual serving bowls, sprinkle with 1 (8 by 7½-inch) sheet crumbled nori. 24. Top with tofu, radishes, avocado, and cucumber. 25. Sprinkle with 4 thinly sliced scallions and drizzle with reserved dressing. Serve, passing more crumbled nori, if desired.

CRISPY TOFU FINGERS

Steps:

• Coat a cookie sheet with oil.
• Slice tofu lengthwise, about 1/4 inch thick, and pat dry.
• Put the sauce into a dish, and dip each piece of tofu into the sauce, coating it well (I used barbecue sauce, and it was tasty).
• Place the tofu on the cookie sheet in a single layer (Pieces can be touching, but should not overlap).
• Sprinkle on desired seasoning.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
• Some people like it very chewy, while others prefer it when it's still soft.

SOBA WITH GREEN GARLIC, SPINACH, EDAMAME AND CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Blot the tofu dry on paper towels. If the garlic has formed cloves, separate them and remove the thick shells from the tender cloves. If it has not formed cloves, just remove the outside layers and mince.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to taste and add the edamame. Cook 4 minutes, then remove from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat a wok or a wide skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water evaporates upon contact. Swirl in the rice bran, grapeseed or canola oil and add the tofu. Stir-fry until golden brown, and remove from the pan. Season to taste with soy sauce and set aside.
• Turn the heat down to medium and add the olive oil and the shiitakes. Cook until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, and add the green garlic along with a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until it is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until it wilts. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir in the tofu and edamame. Turn the heat to low and keep warm while you cook the noodles.
• Bring the water to a boil in the large pot, and add the noodles gradually, so that the water remains at a boil. Stir once with a long-handled spoon or pasta fork so that the noodles don't stick together. Wait for the water to come back up to a rolling boil - it will bubble up, so don't fill the pot all the way - and add 1 cup of cold water. Allow the water to come back to a rolling boil and add another cup of cold water. Allow the water to come to a boil one more time and add a third cup of water. When the water comes to a boil again, the noodles should be cooked through. Allow them to boil for a few minutes if they are not. Drain in a colander. Place in a large bowl, top with the vegetables and tofu, and serve.