Quick & Easy Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
- 14 ozextra firm tofu)
(extra firm is important
- 1healthy pinch sea salt
- 1 tspdesired seasoning)
(such as curry powder, chili powder, tamari, tandoori spice, etc.
- 1 tbspcoconut
avocado or grape seed oil), (if avoiding oil, skip this, but tofu may stick to a bare pan
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and wrap your extra firm tofu in an absorbent towel. Set something heavy on top - like a cast iron skillet - to press out extra moisture for 5 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press.
- 2
Unwrap tofu and cut into small cubes (see photo), then add to a medium mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt and desired seasoning, which will vary depending on your dish. I was adding mine to a curry, so I added curry powder. If adding to a BBQ dish, try a BBQ seasoning blend. Or if adding to a Thai dish, try a Thai curry powder. If you want it to remain neutral in flavor and just crisp up, simply season with salt and skip the extra seasoning.
- 3
Heat a large oven-safe metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and the seasoned tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes, shaking/flipping occasionally to cook on all sides, until tofu has a slight crust on each side and has begun to brown.
- 4
Transfer skillet to oven to bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tofu is firm to the touch and has begun to dry out and crisp up. The longer it bakes, the firmer it gets. I found the 15-minute mark to be about right.
- 5
Now you have crispy tofu to add to virtually any dish you’d like! While the tofu is crispy and slightly seasoned, it does still benefit from a sauce, such as Peanut Sauce, my Almond Butter Glaze, a Curry Sauce, or my Garlic Dill Sauce. Best when fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375 degree F (190 C) oven until very hot.
Quick & Easy Crispy Tofu
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 77 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of bland, rubbery tofu? Discover the secret to perfectly crispy tofu that’s quick, easy, and transforms any meal! This recipe is your go-to for adding satisfying texture and protein to your favorite dishes, without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Quick & Easy Crispy Tofu lies in its simplicity and the choice of extra firm tofu. This fundamental selection, combined with just four key ingredients, ensures you achieve that coveted golden crispness every time. It’s designed to deliver delicious results swiftly, making it a reliable protein source you can whip up for weeknight meals.
What to Expect
Prepare for a delightful contrast of textures: a beautifully crisp exterior giving way to a tender, slightly chewy interior. Each bite will carry the savory notes of sea salt and your chosen seasoning, ready to absorb the flavors of whatever dish you pair it with. This versatile protein is a fantastic foundation for adding depth to stir fries, curries, and bowls, bringing a satisfying chew and a punch of flavor to your plate. Each serving provides 270 calories, making it a robust addition to your meal.
Customization & Variations
One of the best features of this crispy tofu is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with your desired seasoning—think vibrant curry powder, a fiery chili powder, umami-rich tamari, or aromatic tandoori spice to match your meal's theme. If you're looking to avoid oil, you can skip the coconut, avocado, or grape seed oil, but be aware that the tofu may stick to a bare pan without it. This offers flexibility for dietary preferences or pantry staples.
Serving & Context
This crispy tofu is incredibly versatile, perfect for elevating a simple weeknight stir fry, enriching a fragrant curry, or adding substantial protein to a vibrant salad or grain bowl. It's a fantastic way to introduce plant-based protein with exciting texture to almost any meal.