Introduction

Crispy tofu is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to your meals. This recipe uses simple spices and a light coating of cornflour to create golden, crispy tofu pieces that are packed with flavor and easy to make at home.

Crispy Spiced Fried Tofu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

400g block firm tofu
3 tbsp cornflour
½ tsp garlic granules
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Drain the tofu by wrapping it in 4-5 sheets of kitchen paper. Place it on a plate and put something heavy on top, like a chopping board or a tray with tins. Leave for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the cornflour, garlic granules, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Unwrap the tofu, cut it in half through the centre, then slice into triangles, cubes, or strips.
Step 4: Toss the tofu pieces in the spiced cornflour mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Step 6: Fry the tofu pieces for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on size, until golden, crunchy, and browned at the edges. Cook smaller cubes for about 2 minutes per side and larger triangles for about 4 minutes per side. Fry in batches if necessary and add more oil if the pan becomes dry.
Step 7: Drain the cooked tofu on kitchen paper and season with a pinch more salt before serving.

Tips & Variations

Pressing the tofu properly is key to achieving crispiness; don’t skip the draining step.
Try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce or your favorite sauce before coating.
Serve the crispy tofu with dipping sauces like sweet chili or peanut sauce.

Storage

Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or a dry frying pan to help restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tofu soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use silken tofu for this recipe?

Silken tofu is too soft and watery for frying crispy. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and crisps up well.

What can I use instead of cornflour?

You can substitute cornflour with potato starch or arrowroot powder for a similar crispy coating.

Crispy Spiced Fried Tofu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

A simple and delicious recipe for crispy tofu that is perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to golden, crunchy perfection. Ideal as a protein-packed addition to salads, stir-fries, or enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Vegetarian
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Tofu

400g block firm tofu

Coating

3 tbsp cornflour
½ tsp garlic granules
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Cooking

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

Press the tofu: Drain the tofu and wrap it in 4-5 sheets of kitchen paper. Place it on a plate and put a heavy object, such as a wooden chopping board or a tray with canned goods, on top. Leave it for 20 minutes to drain the excess moisture thoroughly.
Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, mix the cornflour, garlic granules, smoked paprika, sea salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Cut the tofu: Unwrap the tofu from the paper and cut it in half horizontally. Then cut each half into triangles, cubes, or strips based on your preference.
Coat the tofu: Toss the tofu pieces in the spiced cornflour mixture until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned powder.
Heat oil and fry tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu pieces for 2-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown, crispy, and have browned edges. Smaller cubes take about 2 minutes per side, while larger triangles may need 4 minutes. Cook the tofu in batches if necessary, adding more oil if the pan becomes dry.
Drain and season: Once cooked, transfer the tofu to kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle a pinch more sea salt over the tofu while still hot, then serve immediately for the best crunch.

Notes

Pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess water and ensure a crispy texture.
Adjust frying time depending on the size of tofu pieces to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or chili powder for a spicier kick.
This crispy tofu works great in salads, bowls, wraps, or as a protein-rich snack.
Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best results; silken tofu is too soft for frying.

Keywords: crispy tofu, tofu recipe, vegetarian protein, pan-fried tofu, healthy tofu snack