The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2024)

FAQs

Why can't I get my tofu crispy? ›

Make sure to press the tofu.

This really is essential for removing excess moisture and getting that crispy texture.

Now, you just need to toss your tofu in a little oil (just 1 tablespoon for the full batch), tamari or soy sauce (for some flavor) and cornstarch or arrowroot starch. The starch makes the edges extra crispy and irresistible (I got this idea from The Kitchn).

First, too much water. If you don't press the water out of your tofu, it can easily become soggy. Second, temperature. Cooking your tofu at a low temperature won't allow it to crisp properly.

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

If you want a crispy outer coating for your tofu, flour can be a great substitute for cornstarch. Simply coat the tofu cubes or slices with a dusting of all-purpose flour before frying. The flour helps create a light and crispy texture while ensuring the tofu stays tender on the inside.

Baking is my go-to method for how to cook tofu. It yields flavorful, firm cubes that are perfect for adding to a stir fry, salad, or bowl!

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Frying tofu can give it a crispy texture, but comes at a cost – it can be high in calories, up to three times more than baked or air-fried tofu. This is because frying requires added oil as a heat conductor, which cooks the tofu evenly but also makes it absorb more oil, resulting in more fat and calories.

Air fry at 400°F for 11-15 minutes, tossing halfway so that the tofu cooks evenly on all sides. The tofu is ready when it's crisp and browned around the edges. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking, as the exact cooking time will depend on your specific air fryer. That's it!

What to pair with fried tofu? ›

Rice or Noodles.

We usually serve our tofu stir fry with brown rice (I cook it in the Instant Pot right along with the rest of the meal), but if you prefer tofu stir fry noodles, these are a tasty option, and they cook more quickly too!

For the best results, I recommend pressing tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking, though longer is great if you're able to plan ahead. In a pinch, even less time can make a big difference. I pressed the left block of tofu in the photo above for just 20 minutes. An unpressed block of tofu is on the right.

Firm and extra-firm tofu are most commonly used in Western recipes, as the mostly solid texture is easy to cut, easy to fry, easy to grill and easy to eat.

Most recipes (frying, stir-frying or deep-frying) require the tofu to be drained well and patted dry before cooking. This is logical, as moist tofu doesn't absorb marinades or spices and splatters in the pan. To pat dry, place a triple layer of paper towel on a wooden board or a deep plate.

Most tofu comes packed in water, so the number one thing you always need to do is drain the block as much as possible. A water-logged block of tofu won't absorb a marinade or get crispy in a frying pan. To drain it, slice the block and place the slices in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Pour breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and salt onto a plate and mix thoroughly. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Dip the tofu strips into the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated and immediately press into the breadcrumbs until all sides of the tofu are completely covered.

You can fry tofu without pressing it, and we recommend not pressing it before cooking. We think it's better not to press the tofu to keep it moist, soft, and silky inside and crispy on the outside. Pressed tofu can be dry, chewy, and rubbery.

Depending on the recipe you're making, you will cut the block of tofu into cubes, slices, or whatever shape you like. Don't cut the cubes too small or the slices too thin. That will lead to the tofu overcooking and becoming hard and brittle rather than moist and crispy.