Fried tofu is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to many dishes. I enjoy exploring different ways to prepare tofu, especially when frying it to achieve that perfect crispy exterior. In this article, I will share my nine favorite fried tofu recipes that are both delicious and easy to make.

Tofu is not only a great source of protein, but it also absorbs flavors well, making it a favorite for many home cooks. I find that through frying, tofu can be transformed into a delightful dish that pleases both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. These nine recipes will offer a variety of tastes and textures that showcase the wonderful potential of fried tofu.

Table of Contents

1. Crispy Korean-Style Tofu

a close-up shot of crispy baked tofu cubes on a gray plate. the golden-brown tofu is sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. a small bowl of dipping sauce and another plate with more tofu are blurred in the background, suggesting a flavorful and healthy vegetarian appetizer or meal

Crispy Korean-Style Tofu is a delightful dish that offers a crunchy outside and soft inside. It is a versatile addition to many meals and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger dish.

I find this recipe easy to make. It requires basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills. The main steps to prepare this dish are straightforward.

Start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess water. Slice it into cubes or rectangles.
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any desired spices.

Dredge the tofu pieces in the cornstarch mixture until well-coated.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the tofu pieces.
Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually around 3-4 minutes per side.

Place the fried tofu on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

I enjoy serving this tofu with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or a spicy chili sauce. It complements many Korean dishes and adds a satisfying crunch.

2. Spicy Sriracha Tofu Stir-Fry

a close-up shot of fried tofu and vegetables on a gray plate. golden brown tofu cubes are mixed with sliced orange bell peppers and green beans, drizzled with a red sauce and garnished with chopped green onions. the simple and colorful dish sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a healthy and flavorful stir-fry

Spicy Sriracha Tofu Stir-Fry is a flavorful dish that combines tofu with a spicy sauce. Sriracha adds a nice heat, while the tofu provides a good source of protein. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

To begin, I prepare my ingredients. I typically use firm tofu, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, and, of course, Sriracha sauce.

Here are the simple steps to follow:

Cut the tofu into cubes and press it to remove excess moisture.

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the tofu and cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Flip the tofu halfway through for even cooking.
Toss in your choice of chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.

Drizzle Sriracha sauce over the mixture. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

This dish takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that I enjoy making often.

3. Lemon Garlic Tofu Skewers

a close-up shot of grilled tofu skewers on a gray plate. the golden-brown tofu cubes are threaded onto wooden skewers and garnished with fresh parsley, roasted garlic cloves, and lemon wedges. the simple and colorful dish sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a healthy and flavorful appetizer or side

Lemon Garlic Tofu Skewers are a flavorful dish that highlights the crispiness of fried tofu paired with a zesty marinade. They are easy to make, perfect for grilling, and great for a quick meal.

To prepare, I start with firm tofu. I cut it into bite-sized cubes, which helps absorb the marinade. The marinade consists of lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. I mix these ingredients in a bowl.

Next, I soak the tofu cubes in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to infuse the tofu. After soaking, I thread the marinated tofu onto skewers.

I preheat my grill to medium heat. Then, I grill the skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. This allows the tofu to become golden and crispy on all sides.

These skewers are delicious served warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of fresh salad.

4. Maple Soy Glazed Tofu Steaks

a close-up overhead shot of four square pieces of crispy baked tofu on a white plate. the golden-brown tofu is drizzled with a dark sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. the simple and colorful dish sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a healthy and flavorful appetizer or meal

Maple Soy Glazed Tofu Steaks are a delicious way to enjoy tofu. This dish balances sweet and savory flavors, making it appealing to many. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein.

I find this recipe easy to make. It requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.

To prepare, I start with these steps:

Press the tofu: Remove excess water from a block of firm tofu. It helps the flavors soak in better.
Cut the tofu: Slice the tofu into thick steaks, about 1 inch each.

Make the glaze: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Marinate: Coat the tofu steaks with the glaze and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
Cook: Heat a skillet and add oil. Cook the tofu steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

These Tofu Steaks are perfect for a quick meal. They pair well with rice or vegetables. Enjoying them is a simple pleasure that satisfies my taste buds.

5. Sesame Ginger Tofu with Broccoli

a close-up overhead shot of tofu and broccoli stir-fry on a gray plate. golden-brown tofu cubes are coated in a dark sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, mixed with bright green broccoli florets. a small bowl of sauce and a spoon are visible nearby on a dark wooden surface, suggesting a healthy and flavorful meal

Sesame Ginger Tofu with Broccoli is a flavorful dish that combines crispy tofu with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. This recipe is simple and suitable for cooks of all skill levels.

To make this dish, I start by preparing the tofu. I cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and press it to remove extra moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture when frying.

Next, I sauté minced ginger and garlic in sesame oil until fragrant. This usually takes about 2 minutes. I then add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.

For the sauce, I mix soy sauce, honey, and a dash of vinegar. I pour this over the tofu and broccoli, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

Finally, I serve the dish hot, garnished with sesame seeds. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a balance of flavors and nutrients. I enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

6. Honey Mustard Baked Tofu

a close-up shot of crispy baked tofu cubes stacked on a white plate. the golden-brown tofu is drizzled with a dark sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and garnished with fresh parsley. another plate with more tofu is blurred in the background, suggesting a healthy and flavorful appetizer.

Honey Mustard Baked Tofu is a simple and delicious dish. It combines the savory taste of tofu with the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of mustard.

Making this dish is easy and quick. I enjoy how minimal the ingredients are. You need tofu, honey, prepared mustard, and some optional seasonings.

To prepare, I follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Press the tofu for about 15 minutes to remove excess water.
Cut the tofu into cubes or slices.

In a bowl, mix 4 teaspoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard.
Coat the tofu pieces in the honey mustard mixture.
Place the coated tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

The result is a crispy and flavorful tofu dish that I can enjoy on its own or in salads.

7. Buffalo Tofu Bites

a close-up shot of crispy buffalo tofu bites on a wooden plate. the golden-orange tofu cubes are nestled among celery sticks and fresh parsley, with a small bowl of dipping sauce nearby. the simple and colorful dish sits on a light-colored surface, suggesting a tasty and healthy appetizer or snack

Buffalo Tofu Bites are a tasty and spicy vegan snack. They offer a great way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken wings without using meat. The combination of crispy tofu and a tangy buffalo sauce makes for a satisfying treat.

Making these bites is easy and requires minimal ingredients. I start with firm tofu, which holds its shape well during cooking. To prepare, I first drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Then, I cut it into bite-sized cubes.

The cooking steps are simple:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toss the tofu cubes in a mix of cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
In a separate bowl, mix hot sauce with melted vegan butter.

Once the tofu is crispy, toss it in the buffalo sauce.

These Buffalo Tofu Bites can be served with celery sticks and a dipping sauce for added flavor. They make a great appetizer for parties or a fun snack at home. Enjoy!

8. Sweet and Sour Tofu

a close-up shot of baked tofu cubes on a white plate. the golden-brown tofu is drizzled with a dark sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. the simple and colorful dish sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a flavorful and healthy vegetarian appetizer or meal

Sweet and sour tofu is a flavorful dish that pairs crispy tofu with a tangy sauce. The balance of sweet and acidic flavors makes it a popular choice in many cuisines.

Making sweet and sour tofu is straightforward. I enjoy the process because it’s quick and uses simple ingredients.

Here are the basic steps:

Prepare the Tofu: Press 14 oz of firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes.

Fry the Tofu: Heat oil in a pan. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, combine 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Stir and cook on medium heat until it thickens, roughly 3-5 minutes.
Combine: Add the fried tofu to the sauce and gently mix until coated.

This dish is not only easy to make, but it also offers a delicious way to enjoy tofu. It works well with steamed rice or as a side dish.

9. Thai Curry Tofu

a close-up shot of yellow tofu curry in a white bowl with a brown rim. golden brown tofu cubes are simmered in a creamy yellow curry sauce with sliced carrots and red bell peppers, garnished with fresh cilantro. the simple and colorful dish sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a flavorful and healthy vegetarian meal

Thai Curry Tofu is a flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of curry with the lightness of tofu. It is an easy recipe that I enjoy making at home.

To start, I press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps it fry better and absorb flavors. I cut the tofu into cubes, usually about 1-inch in size.

Next, I heat oil in a pan and add the tofu cubes. I cook them for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat until golden brown.

In another bowl, I mix coconut milk and Thai curry paste. Once the tofu is cooked, I pour this mixture over it. I usually let it simmer for 10 minutes.

To finish, I might add some veggies like bell peppers or carrots. I cook everything for an additional 5 minutes.

This dish pairs well with rice or noodles. Enjoying Thai Curry Tofu is satisfying and simple!

What Is Fried Tofu?

Fried tofu is a versatile ingredient enjoyed in many cuisines. It offers both nutritional benefits and various types that can enhance dishes in unique ways.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Fried Tofu?

Fried tofu is a great source of protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans. A 100-gram serving contains about 10 grams of protein and only 9 grams of fat, which is lower compared to fatty meats.

Additionally, tofu is rich in essential minerals such as calcium and iron, contributing to bone health and preventing anemia. It’s also a source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.

While frying adds some calories, the health benefits of tofu remain significant, particularly when combined with healthy cooking methods and ingredients.

What Types of Tofu Are Best for Frying?

When preparing fried tofu, different types can be used, each with distinct textures and flavors.

Firm Tofu: This is the most commonly used type for frying. It holds its shape well and creates a nice crispy exterior when cooked.
Extra-Firm Tofu: Contains the least amount of moisture, making it perfect for achieving a crunchy texture.
Silken Tofu: While not typically fried on its own, it can be blended into sauces or soups for added creaminess.

Choosing the right type of tofu can make a big difference in the final dish. Each variety can absorb flavors differently, leading to delicious results.

9 Best Fried Tofu Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds