This Fried Tofu recipe is super simple and it tastes fantastic! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it makes a perfect addition to any meal.
If you consider yourself not to be a tofu fan, you probably just haven’t had tofu the right way. I bet that if you had this Easy Fried Tofu, you would change your tune on tofu! Serve it as a snack, or as a side to pretty much any meal.
Watch How to Make Fried Tofu
To get started, let's learn a bit about tofu.
What is Tofu
People often wonder what tofu is made of. Tofu is a food made of condensed soy milk that is pressed into solid, white blocks. The process of making tofu is relatively similar to the way that cheese is made from milk. So, think of it as cheese made from soy milk. There are many different varieties of tofu, such as soft/silken tofu, firm tofu, extra firm tofu, and fermented tofu.
Learn more about tofu from Wikipedia.
What Kind of Tofu to Buy
If you are going to fry tofu, you definitely want to buy extra firm tofu. I also suggest you opt for organic, non-gmo tofu, especially since it’s very affordable.
Fried Tofu Ingredients
- Extra Firm Tofu. You cannot use soft/silken or medium tofu in this recipe, or it will fall apart in the skillet.
- Cornstarch. It helps the tofu to get crispy. You can use arrowroot powder instead if you are sensitive to corn products.
- Seasonings. Cajun seasoning and salt bring a lot of flavor and a bit of heat. I absolutely love this combination!
- Oil. You can use olive, avocado, sunflower, grapeseed, coconut, or peanut oil. Choose your oil based on personal preference and availability.
How to Make Fried Tofu Step-by-Step
1. Drain the liquid from the tofu package and dry the tofu with paper towels. Cut into about 1-inch slices.
2. Put the slices onto 2-3 paper towels and season them with Cajun seasoning and salt. Flip and season again.
3. Place 2 more paper towels on top of the tofu slices and press gently with your hands. This way, you’ll remove any excess moisture and press the seasonings into the tofu.
4. Cut the tofu into cubes and place on a large plate. Add the cornstarch and gently stir to coat (I like using my hands to do this).
5. Heat the oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Tips & Tricks
- Squeeze the liquid from the tofu. Wrap the tofu block with paper towels and press gently until the excess liquid gets absorbed by the towels.
- Use a non-stick pan. A cast iron pan can also be used, but make sure it is thoroughly heated before adding the tofu. Non-stick skillets work best because they never fail.
- Don’t fiddle. Let the tofu get golden and crispy before flipping it over. Be patient.
- Adjust seasonings. You can also use other seasonings instead of Cajun. Old Bay, Fajita, and Chicken seasonings would work as well.
- Work in batches, if needed. If your skillet is not large enough to fit all of the tofu, just fry it in two batches. Don’t overcrowd the skillet because the tofu pieces can get stuck together and not cook properly. My skillet is 13 inches in diameter and I am able to fry in one batch.
How to Store and Reheat Fried Tofu
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 3 days. The Fried Tofu won’t be crispy when reheated, but it will still have a nice texture and taste. The best method for reheating is to do it over the stove since the microwave can give it an odd texture and make it rubbery. Just add the tofu to the pan, along with whatever else you may be cooking with it. Add one tablespoon of olive or coconut oil to the pan and warm everything over medium heat until warmed through.
How to Freeze Fried Tofu
I wouldn't suggest freezing the fried tofu, because the beauty of this dish is the crispy outer layer, which will not be the same after freezing. However, if you do want to take this route, you can place these on a tray, freeze them, and then transfer them into a Ziploc bag and store for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Fried Tofu
Serve this Fried Tofu as a snack, along with a dipping sauce. Ketchup, Sweet Chili Sauce, and Ginger Sesame Sauce are among my favorites.
Or serve it on top (or on the side) of your favorite meals. Here is my Fried Tofu on top of Zucchini Noodles. YUMMY!
I bet you'll enjoy these recipes, too:
Crispy Fried Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 lb. extra firm tofu (preferably organic)
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning or to taste
- 1 tsp. salt or to taste
- 4 tbsp. cornstarch
- 4 tbsp. olive oil or other kind
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from the tofu package and dry the tofu with paper towels. Cut into about 1-inch slices.
- Put the slices onto 2-3 paper towels and season them with Cajun seasoning and salt. Flip and season again.
- Place 2 more paper towels on top of the tofu slices and press gently with your hands. This way, you’ll remove any excess moisture and press the seasonings into the tofu.
- Cut the tofu into cubes and place on a large plate. Add the cornstarch and gently stir to coat (I like using my hands to do this).
- Heat the oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Notes
TIPS & TRICKS
- Squeeze the liquid from the tofu. Wrap the tofu block with paper towels and press gently until the excess liquid gets absorbed by the towels.
- Use a non-stick pan. A cast iron pan can also be used, but make sure it is thoroughly heated before adding the tofu. Non-stick skillets work best because they never fail.
- Don’t fiddle. Let the tofu get golden and crispy before flipping it over. Be patient.
- Adjust seasonings. You can also use other seasonings instead of Cajun. Old Bay, Fajita, and Chicken seasonings would work as well.
- Work in batches, if needed. If your skillet is not large enough to fit all of the tofu, just fry it in two batches. Don’t overcrowd the skillet because the tofu pieces can get stuck together and not cook properly. My skillet is 13 inches in diameter and I am able to fry in one batch.
Melissa Cleveland says
I would’ve never thought to put Cajun seasoning on tofu but it was delicious thank you
Tania Sheff says
Thank you, Melissa!