Emilie Meyer
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, one of the most popular being pan-frying. Pan-fried tofu is a quick and easy dish to make, and it can be served as a main course, side dish, or snack. The tofu is usually cut into cubes or slabs and seasoned with various ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic powder, cornstarch, and spices to add flavor and create a crispy texture. The tofu is then fried in a pan with oil until it develops a golden crust, making it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This dish can be served on its own or added to noodle dishes, salads, stir-fries, or rice bowls.
Can you pan-fry tofu?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan type | Non-stick or cast iron |
| Tofu type | Extra-firm tofu |
| Tofu preparation | Drain tofu, cut into cubes, coat with cornstarch, garlic powder, and soy sauce |
| Oil type | Olive oil, canola oil, or neutral oil |
| Heat | Medium or medium-high |
| Cooking time | 3-5 minutes per side |
| Spices | Chilli powder, paprika, onion powder, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and MSG |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, noodles, salads, stir-fries, dipping sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Pressing tofu before frying
Pressing tofu is a crucial step to ensure your tofu develops a golden crust when pan-frying. By pressing tofu, you can remove the excess moisture, which gives tofu a chewier and firmer texture. This makes it less likely to fall apart and helps it hold its shape during cooking. Pressing tofu also ensures that your seasonings won't be diluted.
There are several methods for pressing tofu, with or without a tofu press. If you are using a tofu press, place the tofu block inside and close the hooks to begin pressing. Leave the tofu on the counter for a quick press, between 20 to 30 minutes, or put it in the fridge to press overnight.
If you don't have a tofu press, you can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and a cast-iron skillet. First, drain and remove the tofu block from its packaging. Wrap the tofu block in the kitchen towel, and place it on a flat surface. The towel will absorb the excess liquid released by the tofu. To capture all of the liquid, place the wrapped tofu on a rimmed baking sheet. Then, place a cast-iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu. If you don't have a skillet, you can use a small cutting board. For firm tofu, press for 15 to 30 minutes, and a little longer for extra-firm tofu.
You can also use a plate and heavy books to press tofu. Place the tofu brick in paper towels and put it on a plate. Put a skillet or another plate on top and add a few heavy books. Let the tofu press for 30 minutes to an hour.
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Using a non-stick pan
Tofu is prone to sticking to the pan, but this can be avoided by using a quality non-stick pan coated with oil.
To pan-fry tofu, start by pressing the tofu to release its liquid. To do this, wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a plate or skillet on top. Add a couple of heavy books or a cast-iron pan on top and let it press for 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can use a tofu press.
Next, cut the pressed tofu into cubes. The size of the cubes can vary, but they are typically cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also cut the tofu into slabs that are about 1/4-inch thick.
If you are using a non-stick pan, heat it slightly on medium-high heat for about 30 seconds before adding oil. Add a thin layer of oil to the pan. You can use olive oil, or a neutral oil like canola oil.
Add the tofu to the pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Let the tofu cook undisturbed for a few minutes to allow a golden crust to form. This will make it easier to flip and cook the tofu.
Once the tofu is golden brown on all sides, it is ready to be served. You can also add additional ingredients to the pan, such as shallots, garlic, chiles, and scallions, to create a sauce to pour over the tofu.
You can also bread the tofu before pan-frying it. To do this, coat the tofu cubes or slabs in a mixture of nutritional yeast and your favourite spices, such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or chili powder. You can also use cornstarch as a coating to create a crispy exterior.
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Adding flavour with spices and sauces
Tofu has a reputation for being bland, but this can be easily remedied by adding flavour with spices and sauces.
A popular option is to use soy sauce, which can be drizzled over cubes of tofu and gently stirred to coat. You can also add cornstarch and garlic powder to the mix, which will give the tofu a crispy, golden brown exterior when fried. Another option is to use nutritional yeast as a coating, which can be mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, try tossing the tofu in chili powder, paprika, onion powder, sesame oil, or rice vinegar. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find a combination that suits your taste.
For a more complex flavour profile, you can create a sauce to pour over the tofu. One recipe suggests stir-frying shallots, garlic, chillies, and scallion whites in oil until aromatic, before returning the tofu to the pan and pouring over a combined sauce. Simmer until the flavours have melded, then thicken the sauce with potato starch if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and MSG.
Another option is to make a chilli oil to accompany the tofu, or to toss the tofu in a simple marinade before cooking.
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Coating tofu in cornstarch
To coat your tofu in cornstarch, start by pressing the tofu to remove excess liquid. You can do this by wrapping the tofu brick in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top, such as a pan or some books. Leave for 30 minutes to an hour.
Next, cut the tofu into cubes. The size of the cubes is up to you, but they should be around 1-inch thick. Place the tofu cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with soy sauce, stirring gently to combine.
Now it's time to add the cornstarch. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and stir gently until the tofu is evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or onion powder.
Once the tofu is coated in the cornstarch mixture, it's ready to be pan-fried. Heat some olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu to the pan in a single layer and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip the tofu with a spatula and fry for a few more minutes, or until crispy.
Your cornstarch-coated tofu is now ready to be enjoyed!
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Frying tofu with other ingredients
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be fried and added to a variety of dishes. Here are some tips and ideas for frying tofu with other ingredients:
Preparation
Before frying tofu with other ingredients, it is important to press and drain the tofu to remove excess moisture. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in paper towels or a clean tea towel and placing a heavy object on top, such as a skillet or some heavy books. Let the tofu press for at least 10 minutes, but ideally for 30 minutes to an hour. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
Marinades and coatings
A simple way to add flavor to your tofu is by marinating it before frying. You can experiment with different marinades such as soy sauce, tamari, or a combination of spices and oils. For a crispy coating, toss the tofu in cornstarch, arrowroot starch, or a combination of cornstarch, water, and vodka. This will give your tofu a mouth-watering, golden brown exterior. You can also try an egg white wash if you're having trouble getting the coating to stick.
Stir-fries and noodle dishes
Fried tofu is a great addition to stir-fries and noodle dishes. When making a stir-fry, cook your ingredients in batches and combine them at the end. Start by frying your tofu, followed by other ingredients such as vegetables or meat. Reheat the wok between batches to maintain high heat, which will give your stir-fry a tender-crisp texture and a lightly smoky flavor. For noodle dishes, try adding fried tofu to teriyaki noodles, Thai peanut noodles, or drunken noodles.
Rice bowls and salads
Fried tofu can be a delicious protein-packed addition to rice bowls and salads. Try frying your tofu with spices and herbs of your choice, and then adding it to a bowl of rice and vegetables or a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as barbecue sauce or a savory marinade, to add extra flavor to your dish.
Breakfast options
Don't forget that tofu can be a great breakfast option too! Try making a tofu scramble or frying your tofu with some honey-sesame glaze for a sweet and savory morning treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Extra-firm tofu is best, but regular firm tofu will also work.
First, wrap the tofu brick in paper towels and place a plate or skillet on top. Add a few heavy books on the plate/skillet and let it press for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
You will need olive oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like onion powder, paprika, and chili powder.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and let them cook until they are golden brown on all sides. Do not disturb the tofu while it is cooking to allow a golden crust to form.
