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The BEST Crispy Tofu (4 Ways): Tips, Tricks, and Favorite Ways to Enjoy

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Sarah's Vegan Kitchen
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Recipes in this Video

4 recipes

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tbsp olive oil
  • โ—1 tsp garlic powder
  • โ—1 tsp onion powder
  • โ—1/2 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1/2 tsp paprika
  • โ—1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the air fryer to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  2. 2Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes.
  3. 3In a bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt.
  4. 4Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly with the marinade.
  5. 5Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  6. 6Place the marinated tofu cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  7. 7Cook the tofu in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
  8. 8Once the tofu is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

air fryermixing bowlknifecutting board

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
  • โ—1/4 cup cornstarch
  • โ—1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • โ—1/2 cup orange juice
  • โ—1/4 cup soy sauce
  • โ—1/4 cup sugar
  • โ—1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • โ—1 tsp grated ginger
  • โ—1 clove garlic, minced
  • โ—1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • โ—2 green onions, chopped
  • โ—Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  2. 2In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. 4In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  5. 5Add the fried tofu back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. 6Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  7. 7Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment

SkilletBowlSpatulaKnifeCutting board
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLow
vegangluten-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tbsp olive oil
  • โ—1 tbsp cornstarch
  • โ—1 tsp garlic powder
  • โ—1 tsp onion powder
  • โ—1/2 tsp salt
  • โ—1/2 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
  2. 2Drain the tofu and press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. 3Cut the tofu into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
  4. 4In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. 5Add the tofu to the bowl and gently toss to coat the pieces evenly with the marinade.
  6. 6Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss again to ensure an even coating.
  7. 7Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu in a single layer.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

baking sheetparchment papermixing bowlknifecutting board
vegetarianveganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Salt and Pepper Tofu is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, particularly in Sichuan and Cantonese cooking. It showcases the simplicity and flavor of tofu, elevating it with the boldness of salt and pepper seasoning. Traditionally served as a side dish or appetizer, it has gained popularity in vegetarian and vegan diets worldwide, often enjoyed for its crispy texture and savory flavor.

Ingredients

  • โ—tofu
  • โ—cornstarch
  • โ—salt
  • โ—black pepper
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—green onions
  • โ—red chili peppers
  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—lime
  • โ—cilantro
  • โ—sugar

Instructions

  1. 1Drain tofu and press to remove excess moisture for 30 minutes.
  2. 2Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  3. 3Mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  4. 4Coat tofu cubes evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
  5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. 6Add coated tofu cubes to the skillet and fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. 7Remove tofu and drain on paper towels.
  8. 8In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and red chili peppers; sautรฉ until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. 9Add fried tofu back to the skillet and toss to combine.
  10. 10Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well.
  11. 11Add chopped green onions and cilantro; stir to combine.
  12. 12Sprinkle with sugar and adjust seasoning as needed.
  13. 13Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: seitan

Tempeh offers a firmer texture and is often cheaper than tofu.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Arrowroot is a healthier thickening agent.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil provides a healthier fat option.

red chili peppers

Healthier: jalapeรฑos

Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Cayenne is often more affordable and adds heat.

Techniques

stir-fryingcoatingfrying

Equipment

skilletmixing bowlknifecutting boardpaper towels
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธHotsoy

Also Known As

Salt and Pepper Bean CurdSalt and Pepper Tofu Cubes

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