The Only Crispy Tofu Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Forget everything you thought you knew about bland, spongy tofu! This easy fried tofu recipe transforms a simple block of tofu into irresistibly crispy, golden nuggets of savory goodness. Coated in a flavorful blend of nutritional yeast and garlic and fried to perfection, this tofu is perfect for adding to stir-fries, salads, noodle bowls, or just snacking on its own. Get ready to make tofu your new favorite protein!
Ingredients
• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash black pepper
• 1/4 cup high-smoke-point oil for frying (like canola or avocado)
Instructions
1. In a shallow dish, marinate the cubed tofu in soy sauce for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the coating mixture.
3. Remove tofu from the marinade, allowing excess soy sauce to drip off. Dredge each cube in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the coated tofu in a single layer.
5. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are crispy and a deep golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 3Cost: $2.17Serving Size: 3/4 cup
• Calories: 132
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 208mg
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Fried Tofu
• Press your tofu for at least 30 minutes before marinating. This removes excess water, allowing it to get much crispier and absorb more flavor.
• For an even crispier coating, substitute one tablespoon of the flour with one tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Ensure your oil is hot before adding the tofu. A drop of the coating mixture should sizzle immediately. This prevents the tofu from absorbing too much oil.
• Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu in batches if necessary to ensure each piece has enough space to brown properly on all sides instead of steaming.
FAQ
Q: How can I make this crispy tofu recipe gluten-free
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Cornstarch creates an exceptionally crispy coating. Also, ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free or use tamari as a substitute.
Q: Is this crispy tofu a good source of vegetarian protein
A: Absolutely. Tofu is a complete plant-based protein. One serving of this recipe contains 9 grams of protein, making it a delicious and satisfying way to add a high-quality protein source to any vegetarian or vegan meal.
Q: How do I store leftover crispy tofu so it stays crispy
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive the crispiness, avoid the microwave. Reheat the tofu in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crisp.
Q: What is nutritional yeast and is there a substitute
A: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast with a cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor, often used in vegetarian cooking to add a ‘cheesy’ taste. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but you will lose that unique savory flavor. For a different profile, try adding a pinch of onion powder or smoked paprika to the coating.
