5 Delicious Fried Tofu Recipes You Must Try

Fried Tofu with Spicy Soy Glaze

Fried tofu can become the star of the dish with the right combination of flavors. The crispy texture with a succulent, almost creamy interior makes it a versatile ingredient. One of the most tantalizing ways to enjoy tofu is by dousing it in a spicy soy glaze. Here’s how you can make this savory treat:

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili paste
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Cornstarch for coating
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when fried. Once pressed, slice the tofu into your preferred shape; usually, cubes or rectangles work well. Coat each piece with cornstarch to create that delightful crunch.

Next, heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the tofu until it turns golden brown on all sides. Remember to turn the tofu for even cooking. Drain the fried tofu on paper towels to remove excess oil.

While the tofu is frying, you can prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Sriracha, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency. Be careful not to let it become too thick; it should still be easily pourable.

Now, it’s time to glaze your tofu. Toss the fried tofu in the hot soy glaze, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Serve hot for the best experience.

💡 Note: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha. For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari.

Tofu ‘Chicken’ Nuggets

Make your kids happy with these vegan-friendly tofu nuggets. These tofu ‘chicken’ nuggets are so good, even non-vegans might mistake them for the real deal!

Ingredients:

• 1 block of extra firm tofu
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon turmeric
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black salt (Kala Namak) for an eggy flavor
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or Panko
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

Start by marinating the tofu in a mix of vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powders, turmeric, and black salt for at least 30 minutes. This marinade will impart a flavor that mimics the taste of chicken.

Set up your breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with plant-based milk, and one with breadcrumbs or Panko. After marinating, dip each tofu piece in flour, then in milk, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure a good coating for that extra crunch.

Fry in preheated oil until the tofu nuggets are golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a ‘chicken’ nugget meal.

🌱 Note: For an extra flavor boost, mix some dried herbs like thyme or sage into the breadcrumbs.

Crispy Tofu with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these tofu bites are drizzled with a tangy, zesty lemon garlic sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cut into triangles or cubes
• ¹⁄₃ cup cornstarch
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of ¹⁄₂ lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

First, press the tofu to release excess water, then cut it into desired shapes. Coat the tofu pieces in cornstarch seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and fry until the tofu is crispy and golden.

For the sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then stir in the lemon juice, zest, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. Pour over the crispy tofu, toss gently to coat, and garnish with parsley.

🍋 Note: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or vegetable stock.

Fried Tofu with Mango Salsa

Embrace the fusion of flavors with this Fried Tofu with Mango Salsa. The sweet and tangy salsa complements the savory fried tofu in a refreshing way.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup plant-based milk or beaten egg for a more traditional coating
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• ¹⁄₄ red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Preparation:

Press the tofu to remove moisture, then prepare a breading station as before with flour, milk/egg, and panko. Season the tofu with salt and pepper, then coat in flour, dip in milk/egg, and coat with panko. Fry until golden and crispy.

While the tofu fries, mix the mango, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl to make the salsa. Let it sit for the flavors to meld.

Serve the fried tofu hot with the mango salsa on top or on the side for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

In wrapping up this journey through the world of fried tofu, we’ve discovered how this simple ingredient can be transformed into a myriad of delicious dishes. From the spicy soy glaze to the vibrant mango salsa, each recipe brings out a different side of tofu’s potential. Whether you’re looking for comfort food like tofu ‘chicken’ nuggets or something refreshing like tofu with lemon garlic sauce, fried tofu has something to offer for every palate. Remember, the key to perfect fried tofu is to ensure it’s well-pressed and coated properly, allowing it to achieve that crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flavorful interior. Experiment with these recipes or create your own variations, but most importantly, enjoy the process and the results of your cooking adventures.

Can I use soft tofu for these recipes?

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Soft tofu can be used but might not hold up as well during frying. For better results, it’s recommended to use firm or extra-firm tofu.

Are these recipes vegan-friendly?

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Yes, all the recipes listed can be easily made vegan by using plant-based milk or egg substitutes where applicable.

What can I substitute for Sriracha in the Spicy Soy Glaze?

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If you don’t have Sriracha, you can use other hot sauces like Tabasco, or simply mix in some red chili flakes for heat.

Related Terms:

• fried tofu recipes
• deep fried tofu
• Tahu
• Sesame tofu
• Baked tofu
• Marinated tofu