Your kids will call this 20 minute Crispy Fried Tofu Recipe โ€œchickenโ€. Itโ€™s that good! Once you learn how to fry tofu until crispy with no pressing required and coated in simple marinade, you will be making it over and over again.

We also love this air fryer tofu!

Crispy pan fried tofu garnished with sesame seeds and green onion in a skillet.

This crispy fried tofu is one of our family favorite healthy dinners. Did I mention kids call it “chicken”? It’s that good!

I fry tofu in pan on the stove often to reduce our meat consumption. If last night was shrimp tacos and tomorrow it’s lamb roast, I try to “squeeze in” this tofu recipe in between for a meatless option. Balance and moderation just like with salad and dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy: We share all tips and tricks to get those perfect crispy results.
  • Flavorful: Raw tofu has zero flavor and a spongy texture but when combined with some seasonings, it suddenly can turn savory, “meaty” and wow worthy!
  • Quick and easy: You do not have to press tofu to remove extra moisture with my recipe. “Ain’t nobody got time for that”. It’s ready in 20 minutes!
  • Healthy: According to Healthline, tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids.

Ingredients for Fried Tofu

Extra firm tofu, cornstarch, soy sauce, olive oil, sesame seeds, garlic powder, green onion.
  • Firm or extra firm tofu: You cannot use soft tofu or medium tofu for this recipe, as it will release more water and fall apart.
  • Soy sauce: I use liquid aminos or soy sauce, you could also use gluten-free tamari.
  • Cornstarch: A must ingredient for crispy fried tofu. It soaks up the moisture and creates that browned coating we all love.
  • Garlic powder: For flavor, otherwise tofu is very plain.
  • Olive oil: For frying.
  • Green onion and sesame seeds: For garnish, when serving. Adds another layer of flavor, so good!

How to Fry Tofu for Crispy Results

Step by step process how to marinate and fry tofu in a skillet.
  • Cut tofu into cubes: Remove tofu from its plastic package. Cut tofu block in half lengthwise into two thinner slabs. Then cut into 1 inch cubes.
  • Quickly marinate: In a large bowl, add cubed tofu and drizzle with soy sauce. Stir gently with silicone or wooden spoon or spatula. Tofu is delicate and metal spoon will do more damage to its texture. Set aside.
  • Coat it in cornstarch: In another large bowl, add cornstarch, garlic powder and ground black pepper. Stir well with a fork, add tofu pieces and gently stir to coat.
  • Pan fry tofu: Swirl half the oil onto preheated skillet, add half the tofu to a pan in a single layer and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip each cube with a spatula and fry for a few more minutes or until crispy. You can add half of remaining soy marinade now too. Transfer onto a plate and repeat with remaining ingredients.

Tips for Best Results

Here are the top tips how to cook tofu in a pan on the stove until crispy and fall in love with it!

  • Don’t discard the marinade: The one at the bottom of the bowl after marinating. We will use it when frying tofu.
  • Flip tofu once: Don’t disturb it to get that crispy coating on.
  • Hot skillet: Heat pan first, then add oil. It should be hot enough to make tofu sizzle right away. Also a hot skillet gives the fried tofu a better chance to not stick when trying to flip it.
  • Use a non-stick pan: It’s worth repeating that a cast iron pan or stainless steel pan will cause your tofu to stick.
  • Don’t overcrowd your pan: Cook in two batches, so each piece gets a chance to be fried in the oil.

Variations

  • Rice wine vinegar: Add a splash of rice wine vinegar with soy sauce for a sweet, tangy flavor profile.
  • Ginger: Minced fresh ginger or ground ginger could be mixed in with the sauce during the quick marinade.
  • Sesame oil: Adds a depth of flavor. Replace all or part of your olive oil with it.
  • Liquid smoke: Replace a small amount of soy sauce with liquid smoke for a savory smoky flavor.
  • Seasonings: Ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, Chinese 5 spice powder, onion powder will be great instead of garlic powder in this fried tofu recipe!
  • Arrowroot powder: If you are sensitive to cornstarch, this is an acceptable substitute.
  • Tofu triangles: Want to switch up the cubes? Cut it into fun triangles.
Sprinkling fried tofu in a bowl with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.

How to Serve Fried Tofu

Garnish tofu with sesame seeds and green onion. Adds another layer of flavor. This dish is best served immediately as it loses its crispiness after half an hour, I would say. Or if you cover it. Still delicious though.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They will not be as crispy but will still taste delicious.

Freeze? Although not recommended because tofu will be softer vs. the desired crispy taste, it is possible to freeze it. Place cooked cubes on a lined cookie sheet and ensure they are not touching. Freeze until solid.

Transfer to a storage bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

How do I know when tofu is ready?

You can tell that fried tofu bites are ready when they are nicely golden and look crispy. Also it does not pose a risk of eating undercooked like meat does.

How long does tofu stay crispy?

Fried tofu tastes best fresh as it starts to lose its crispiness after 30 minutes.

Can I marinate it ahead of time?

You can cube and marinate tofu with soy sauce ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to pan fry. You can also combine cornstarch, garlic powder and black pepper ahead of time and store covered in a cool dry place. Proceed with the recipe when ready.

Can I make it in air fryer?

Yes. Place in a single layer in air fryer and air fry at 400F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket after 10 minutes occasionally.

Close up of fried tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds in a skillet.
Fried tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onion in a skillet.

Crispy Fried Tofu Recipe

Your kids will call this easy 20 minute Crispy Fried Tofu Recipe โ€œchickenโ€. Itโ€™s that good! Tofu is pan fried in a skillet on the stovetop with a simple marinade and no pressing required.
4.96 from 114 votes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 123
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, add cubed tofu and soy sauce on top. Stir gently with silicone or wooden spoon (metal will do more damage to tofu’s delicate texture). Set aside.
  • In another medium bowl, add cornstarch, garlic powder and pepper. Stir well with a fork and set aside.
  • In the meanwhile, preheat large ceramic non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add half of the olive oil. It should be hot enough to make tofu sizzle right away.
  • Add tofu cubes to a bowl with cornstarch mixture and gently stir to coat. Tofu will be coated in sticky wet mixture. Perfect!
  • Add half of the tofu to a pan in a single layer. Cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Flip each cube with a spatula and pan fry for a few more minutes or until crispy (you can add half of the marinade now, from step 1 & 2 – it will collect at the bottom of the bowl, and the other half with next batch). Transfer to a plate and repeat this step with remaining tofu.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Crispy tofu is best served immediately as it loses its crispiness after half an hour I would say. Or if you cover it. Still delish!!!

Video

Notes

  • Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Has to be firm or extra firm tofu: You cannot use soft or medium tofu as it will release more water and fall apart.ย 
  • Skillet has to be hot and non-stick: No cast iron or old skillet that lost its non-stick qualities.
  • Type of oil: You can use toasted sesame oil in place of olive oil.
  • Utensils: It’s best to use wooden or silicone spatula or spoon to handle tofu. Metal would damage its delicate texture and the skillet.
  • Don’t throw away marinade: The marinade of soy sauce, cornstarch etc. doesn’t have to be thrown away. You can pour on top of cooking tofu for more flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 250mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Author: Olena Osipov
Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious and easy recipe.. and I like the air fryer at the end idea too-fried tofu has never come out this yummy, thanks!

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve tried other crispy tofu recipes but this one is the best. Especially since don’t have to drain the tofu. Thanks so much.

  3. 5 stars
    I made this for a Thai curry soup, it was so crispy and delicious. We ended up throwing them in the air fryer for about 4 minutes after we fried them. This will be my go to tofu recipe.

  4. 5 stars
    Followed recipe exactly, came out 10x better than expected. Didn’t think you could fry tofu at home, quite easy too. Wife loved it. Will definitely add this to the regular rotation.

  5. 5 stars
    Love it! Crispy and flavorful. My first time trying it and it turned out great! Easy to make this while my bfs chicken is cooking in another pan for any dish!

  6. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I have made breaded tofu before but it wasn’t nearly as crispy as your recipe.
    No one in my family would eat tofu before but that sure has changed. Thank you so much for sharing.

  7. 5 stars
    I have never tried Tofu. I’m trying to eat healthy now and tried your recipe. All I can say is oh my gosh!! Delicious and give me more!!! Thank you Olena!

4.96 from 114 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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