Crispy Fried Tofu

Category: Delicious Meatless Meals Everyone Will Love

This crispy fried tofu transforms humble tofu into golden-brown, crunchy bites with minimal ingredients. Firm tofu is pressed to remove moisture, cut into cubes, seasoned with salt, garlic powder and white pepper, then coated in cornstarch before frying until perfectly crisp. The result is tofu with a satisfying crunch outside and tender inside, ideal as an appetizer, protein addition to salads, or main dish served with dipping sauce. The simple presentation highlights the golden exterior while optional garnishes like fresh herbs and sesame seeds elevate the visual appeal.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 12:35:27 GMT
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. Save
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This crispy fried tofu transforms humble soybean curd into golden nuggets of perfection with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender interior. The simple seasoning lets the tofu shine while providing a versatile base for any sauce or dish you pair it with.

I discovered this technique during my vegetarian cooking experiments and it quickly became my go to method. Even my tofu skeptical friends ask for seconds when I serve these crispy bites alongside a simple dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • Firm tofu 300 400g: The foundation of our dish select the firmest variety available for the best texture
  • Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of tofu and helps draw out remaining moisture
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming the delicate tofu flavor
  • White pepper: Provides gentle heat without the visual speckles that black pepper leaves
  • Cornstarch or potato starch: Creates that magical crispy exterior we crave use potato starch for extra crunch
  • Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil
  • Fresh herbs for garnish: Adds color contrast and freshness to the finished dish
  • Sesame seeds: Introduces a nutty element and visual appeal to the plating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Tofu:
Proper water removal is absolutely crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Place your tofu block between paper towels with a heavy pot on top for at least 15 minutes pressing occasionally to speed up the process. The drier your tofu starts the crispier it will finish. After pressing cut into 1 inch cubes using a sharp knife for clean edges and pat each piece again with paper towels to remove any remaining surface moisture.
Season With Care:
Gently toss your tofu cubes in a large bowl with salt garlic powder and white pepper using a folding motion rather than stirring to prevent breaking the delicate cubes. Let the seasoned tofu sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors before moving to the coating stage. This brief resting period makes a noticeable difference in flavor penetration.
Create The Crispy Coating:
Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned tofu and toss until each piece has a thin even layer coating all sides. For extra crispiness you can place the coated tofu in a mesh strainer and gently shake to remove excess starch. Too much coating can create a gummy texture instead of a crisp one so a light dusting is all you need.
Master The Frying Technique:
Heat your oil to exactly 350°F check with a thermometer if possible as temperature precision makes all the difference. Work in small batches adding just enough tofu to maintain the oil temperature about 8 10 pieces at a time. Fry for 3 4 minutes turning gently with a slotted spoon until each piece achieves a golden amber color. Once removed from the oil place on paper towels in a single layer rather than stacking to preserve the crispiness.
A bowl of food with a sauce. Save
A bowl of food with a sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

The cornstarch coating is truly the magic element in this recipe. I once tried substituting flour in a pinch and the results were dramatically different missing that glasslike crunch that makes this tofu so special. My daughter who normally avoids tofu completely devoured these crispy cubes and now requests them regularly for her lunchbox.

Storage Solutions

These crispy tofu cubes will stay relatively crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture does soften over time but you can easily restore their crunch by reheating in an air fryer for 2 3 minutes or a conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. For longer storage you can freeze the fried tofu in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Frozen tofu will keep for up to 2 months and develops an interesting chewier texture that works wonderfully in soups and stews.

Flavor Variations

While this basic recipe creates a perfect blank canvas there are countless ways to customize the flavor profile. Try adding 1 teaspoon of five spice powder to the seasoning mix for a Chinese inspired variation or incorporate 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast into the cornstarch for a subtle cheesy flavor. After frying you can toss the hot tofu in teriyaki sauce for an instant appetizer or coat with buffalo sauce for a vegetarian wing alternative. My personal favorite is adding 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix which gives the tofu a surprisingly bacon like quality.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy tofu cubes elevate almost any dish they touch. Layer them atop a rice bowl with steamed vegetables and drizzle with peanut sauce for a complete meal. Add them to salads as a protein rich crouton alternative. Serve alongside a simple dipping sauce like sweet chili garlic soy or even sriracha mayonnaise for an irresistible appetizer. For a complete meal experience arrange the tofu over stir fried vegetables and rice or use as the protein in fresh spring rolls with a tangy dipping sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the tofu extra crispy?

For extra crispy tofu, ensure you press it thoroughly for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat it completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Make sure your oil is hot enough (180°C/350°F) before adding the tofu, and don't overcrowd the pan during frying. The cornstarch coating should be light but complete for the crispiest exterior.

→ Can I air fry this tofu instead?

Yes! To air fry, prepare the tofu as directed, then lightly spray or brush with oil after coating with cornstarch. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

→ What dipping sauces work well with this tofu?

Beyond the suggested light soy sauce or chili oil, this crispy tofu pairs wonderfully with sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, sriracha mayo, ponzu, or a simple rice vinegar and sesame oil mixture. For added flavor, try a ginger-scallion sauce or hoisin sauce.

→ How long does crispy fried tofu stay crispy?

Crispy fried tofu is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when it's at peak crispiness. It will gradually soften as it sits. If you need to make it ahead, you can reheat it in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore some crispness, though it won't be quite the same as freshly fried.

→ What can I serve with crispy fried tofu?

Crispy fried tofu makes an excellent protein component in buddha bowls, grain bowls, or noodle dishes. It also works well in stir-fries (add at the end to maintain crispness), on top of salads, or as part of a vegetarian main with steamed vegetables and rice. For an appetizer, serve with various dipping sauces.

→ Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a simple salt, garlic powder, and white pepper blend, you can customize with spices like five-spice powder, curry powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne for heat. You could also add nutritional yeast to the cornstarch for a cheesy flavor, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Crispy Fried Tofu

Golden crispy tofu cubes, perfectly seasoned with garlic and white pepper, served with optional dipping sauce for a delicious meal.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Duration
40 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Vegetarian

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: Asian

Portions Yielded: 2 Serving Size (8-10 tofu pieces)

Dietary Preferences: Low Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

01 1 block (300-400g) firm tofu
02 2 tsp salt
03 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
04 1 tsp white pepper
05 3 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
06 Vegetable oil for frying

→ Garnish (Optional)

07 Fresh coriander or parsley leaves
08 Sesame seeds
09 Light soy sauce or chili oil for dipping

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Drain the tofu and press it under a weighted plate for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels for a crispy finish.

Step 02

In a bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with salt, garlic powder, and white pepper. Lightly coat each piece in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Step 03

Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 180°C (350°F), about 1 inch deep. Fry tofu pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp (3-4 minutes per batch). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 04

Arrange the tofu cubes in a natural, slightly scattered pile on a neutral-toned plate or shallow bowl. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce.

Notes and Tips

  1. For the crispiest results, ensure tofu is thoroughly dried before coating with starch.

Required Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed frying pan or wok
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Weighted plate for pressing tofu

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains soy (tofu)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 180
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 15 g