Pan-Fried Tofu
This is the perfect pan-fried tofu recipe! It’s quick, easy, and extra crispy. Each piece is fried to golden-brown perfection, then generously coated in a flavorful soy marinade. Sit down to a protein-packed meal in 15 minutes or less!
This no-fuss tofu recipe makes a nutritious addition to any meal-prep routine or weeknight meal. Just like our popular tofu steak, it proves that you only need a few simple ingredients to create an incredibly satisfying meal.
Why I love this recipe
Pan-fried tofu is my go-to preparation method when I’m in the mood for this delicious ingredient. With just 10 minutes of total cooking time, you’ll have a crispy, savory-sweet dinner on the table the entire family will love.
Tofu acts like a sponge, perfectly soaking up the marinade. Plus, it serves as a valuable plant-based protein source. Did you know a half-cup serving of tofu contains over 21 grams of protein?
This recipe is vegan-friendly, low-carb, and filled with vitamins and minerals suited for a balanced diet. Once you try a bite, it will quickly become a part of your weekly rotation!
I never managed to get great pan fried tofu, but this recipe really works. They came out so well and crispy. Loved them. — SABINE
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Ingredient notes
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely sitting in your pantry! Here is a breakdown of everything you’ll need.
Extra-firm tofu
Extra-firm tofu is the backbone of this recipe, providing a meaty texture that crisps well. It’s the best choice for maintaining the shape and texture when pan-fried.
Substitute: Medium or firm tofu can be used, but neither of these options will crisp as well as extra-firm tofu and are more likely to break in the pan.
Cornstarch
Corn starch plays a key role in achieving a crispy exterior on the tofu. It acts as a barrier, preventing the tofu from becoming soggy once the sauce is added.
Substitute: Potato starch or arrowroot powder can be used for a similar crispness. You can also use all-purpose flour for a less crispy but more readily available alternative.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce provides umami and saltiness to the dish, enhancing the savory flavor. If you’re trying to limit your sodium intake, I recommend low-sodium soy sauce.
Substitute: Tamari can be used as a gluten-free option with a similar umami taste. Or, try coconut aminos for a less salty and slightly sweeter alternative.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup adds a sweetness that balances the salty and spicy elements. Its distinct, slightly caramel-like flavor gives the sauce a new dimension.
Substitute: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness. Or, you can use agave for a more neutral liquid sweetener.
Sriracha
Sriracha gives the sauce a kick of heat and a slightly garlicky flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the hot sauce.
Substitute: Chili garlic sauce can be used for a more pronounced garlic element. You can also use sambal oelek if you don’t like garlic.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn the best way to prepare pan-fried tofu with my step-by-step instructions. Find tips highlighted in green throughout this section to help you make the recipe with ease!
Preparation
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu in a paper towel or a clean tea towel, and place it under a heavy object, like a tofu press or a cast-iron skillet, for 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
Cooking
Step 1
After the tofu has been pressed, cut it into bite-size triangles or 1-inch cubes. Place these pieces in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle them with cornstarch. Gently toss the tofu until it’s evenly coated.
Be gentle while tossing the tofu with cornstarch to keep its shape intact and ensure a uniform crispy layer when cooked.
Step 2
While the tofu is draining, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, agave, Sriracha, and garlic powder to a small mixing bowl and whisk everything together.
Step 3
Heat the sesame oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium. Once hot, add the tofu pieces. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes before flipping to another side. Repeat until all sides are golden brown.
For tofu, I always suggest a non-stick skillet to eliminate the frustration experienced when scraping pieces of tofu off the bottom! Don’t forget to maintain a medium heat to prevent the sesame oil from smoking.
Step 4
Pour the prepared sauce over the browned tofu in the skillet. Toss to coat all pieces evenly. Cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Happy eating!
Expert tip
The key to crispy pan-fried tofu lies in pressing it and coating it with cornstarch. The initial press helps remove excess moisture, while the cornstarch forms a barrier around it that keeps the outside crispy once the tofu is tossed with the marinade.
Give yourself enough time to press the tofu thoroughly. If you have a tofu press, you can leave it in the fridge overnight. Also, make sure it’s evenly tossed in cornstarch for the perfect crunch.
Serving suggestions
My favorite way to serve pan-fried tofu is garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add it to a bed of steamed rice, sushi rice, or noodles for a well-balanced meal.
It even goes well with Buddha bowls and stir-fries. If you prefer baking your tofu, try this crispy baked tofu recipe!
Cooking tips
Heat the oil: Make sure the sesame oil is shimmering but not smoking before adding the tofu. This is the ideal temperature for pan-frying tofu without burning it.
Tofu placement: Arrange the tofu pieces in the pan without overcrowding them. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than frying, affecting the crispness.
Flipping technique: Use a thin spatula for flipping the tofu. This prevents breaking the crispy crust that forms on it.
Cool on a wire rack: If you’re cooking it in batches, cool your tofu on a wire rack to prevent it from losing its crispiness.
Storing & reheating
If you have leftover pan-fried tofu, let it cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. Follow these storage guidelines.
Fridge
For optimal freshness, store pan-fried tofu in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days this way. I prefer to use glass containers since they don’t absorb flavors like plastic.
Freezer
Wrap the tofu tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. It can be stored this way for up to 2 months, with a slight change in texture once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat the tofu in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. This is the best method to re-crisp the tofu and evenly warm it without drying it out.
Frequently asked questions
You likely chose the wrong firmness, didn’t cook it long enough, or flipped it too frequently. If your tofu contains excess water, ensure you press it before cooking. Also, give it at least 3-4 minutes before flipping so each side has time to brown.
If you have an extra 20-30 minutes to spare, pressing the water out will make your tofu crispier. If you’re using a firm or extra-firm tofu variety, it’s not completely necessary.
While marinating helps infuse tofu with flavor, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. It needs to be tossed and cooked in cornstarch, then coated in the sauce. If you marinate it beforehand, your tofu won’t turn out as crispy, and the marinade may burn.
Serving size
This pan-friend tofu recipe makes enough for 2 servings. If you’re like me and prefer meal-prepping, it’s also easy to prep in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Tofu can be pressed and cut a day ahead, and the sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply toss it in the cornstarch, pan-fry it, and add the sauce.
More tofu recipes
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Recipe
Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe (In 15 Minutes)
Equipment
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Tofu press
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Large non-stick skillet
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Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Tofu
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For serving optional
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Rice or noodles
Instructions
Press
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Drain the tofu and wrap it in a paper towel or a clean tea towel. Use a tofu press or place a cutting board with a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet) to press out the excess moisture. This takes around 20-30 minutes.
Sauce
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While the tofu is draining, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup or agave, Sriracha, and garlic powder to a small mixing bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
Cook
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Remove the tofu and cut it into bite-size triangles or 1-inch cubes. Add to a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle cornstarch over top. Gently toss to combine.
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium until it starts to shimmer. Add tofu and let it cook for approximately 3-4 minutes before flipping it. Flip and repeat this step until all sides are browned.
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Once the tofu is browned, pour all of the sauce into the skillet. Toss the tofu to coat it completely, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
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Serve immediately while warm with a garnish of sesame seeds or sliced green onions. For a more complete meal, serve it with rice or noodles. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Note: I’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
Mitch Chapman is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. With a background in healthcare and the restaurant industry, he has a passion for sharing healthy yet flavorful plant-based food.
I have tried so many tofu recipes but never found one I really liked. This is my new favorite, easy, crispy, delicious. I make a batch and keep in my fridge for salads, stir fry, etc. Also shared with my daughter. So good!
We are so happy you found a tofu recipe you love now! Thanks for sharing your feedback 🙂
This panfried tofu turned out perfectly! Will make it again soon! Thanks!
Hi Nora,
We’re so glad it turned out for you. Thanks for letting us know!
My vegan friend is coming over, so I’m going to make this for her. It looks so flavorful and delicious.
Hi Andrea,
That sounds like the perfect idea! Let us know how you both enjoy it!
Interesting! I like it’s simplicity! Would it be possible to marinate the tofu in the sauce first for let’s say an hour? Then dry up and coat in corn starch, etc.? Thanks for the recipe will try this out soon! Yum!
Hi Marie-Pierre,
You should be able to do that! You might want to make extra marinade so you can reduce what’s leftover to toss the cooked tofu in. Hope that helps, and let us know how it goes!
Thanks for a new addition to my collection of tofu recipes. We try to fit in one a week and this one is up next!
Hi Mary,
Yum – that’s amazing 🙂 We’re happy to hear this one is part of your rotation!
I never managed to get great pan fried tofu, but this recipe really works. They came out so well and crispy. Loved them.
Hi Sabine,
That’s great that this recipe worked for you! Thanks for leaving your feedback!
I love tofu, and am always looking for new ways to enjoy it. Well, how delicious – it had the perfect crispy texture and I love the sesame oil. Going to make this again over the weekend 🙂
Hi Alexandra!
That’s so great you found this! We’re happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Do you really mean 2 tablespoons of Sriracha? The first time I made this, we had a hard time with the 2T. Using 2 teaspoons, still plenty of heat. And this comes from someone who enjoys hot food.
Hi Bill,
That measurement is correct, but the spice level is completely customizable and up to you! We’re glad you enjoyed it with the 2 teaspoons 🙂
My guys loved this recipe! Such a good combination of crispy and saucy. My hubs decided he actually likes tofu after all 🙂
Hey Sarah!
Woo – that is music to our ears! It’s always great when you can convert a non-tofu lover! 😉
Tried it tonight and it was amazing (and super easy)! Thank you – we now have another favorite recipe 🙂
Hey Emmanuelle!
That is incredible! We’re so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Very delicious way to prepare tofu! Served with a bit of lime squeezed on as well!
Yum! The lime sounds like a delicious addition.