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Tongs holding a golden-brown rectangular piece of tofu above a pan.
5 from 1 vote

How To Fry Tofu In A Pan

Learn how to master the art of frying tofu in a pan with this detailed step-by-step recipe. You'll obtain extra crispy results without having to use cornstarch.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Eloïse

Ingredients
 

  • 14 ounces extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons tamari sub dark soy sauce if not gluten-free

Instructions
 

  • Press the tofu. Use a tofu press or weigh it down with heavy objects for 15-30 minutes (or discover more tofu pressing methods in the post above).
  • Cut the tofu. Cut the tofu block through the long edge to obtain 0.5-inch (1,3 cm) slabs. Then cut, them into smaller planks or into cubes (see step-by-step pictures).
  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Once it's really hot, add in the tofu and sear it for 2 minutes on each side. I like to set a timer.
  • Flip the tofu and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for another 5 minutes per side to get a really crispy crust. If using tofu cubes, cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Season the tofu. If you've prepared a sauce, this is the right time to add it. If you don't have a sauce, add a little bit of tamari (or soy sauce) on top of the tofu pieces and let them cook for another minute on each side.

Notes

  1. Try out different pans if you're not 100% satisfied with the crispiness of your tofu. You can try a cast iron skillet, your favorite frying pan, a non-stick pan, or even a grill pan.
  2. Add spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or black pepper when adding tamari to the tofu for some extra flavor.
  3. Storage tips: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 4-5 days. However note that the tofu will lose its crispiness, especially if it's stored in a sauce. 
  4. Reheating tips: To help it crisp up again, you can reheat it in a pan with a little oil over medium-high heat and not in the microwave.
  5. Try my marinated tofu recipes such as this miso marinated tofu or this soy sauce marinated tofu.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g

Equipment

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