Perfect Your Tofu With These 15 Crispy Tofu Recipes (2024)

Tofu in itself is not that exciting, but once you learn how to treat this protein, there are no limits to what you can use it for. We’re sharing our crispiest and tastiest tofu recipes with you from theFood Monster Appso that you can enjoy this ingredient even more!

1.Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Sometimes you are just craving the crispiness you get from fried food. Well, this recipe introduces tofu that are crisped with an air fryer, where you can skip all the oil and still get the perfect crisp. ThisCrispy Air Fryer Tofu by Kimmy Murphyis marinated in a delicious umami sauce, and then sprinkled with brown rice flour. Serve them with a side of veggies of your choice, and it’s all done!

2.Crispy Turmeric Tofu Nuggets

When you just want to make something that satisfies everyone, these are your to go! TheseCrispy Turmeric Tofu Nuggets by Priscilla Soler are quick and easy to make, as they only contain a few ingredients. Served on a bed of lettuce, you will also get all your greens in the same meal.

3.Perfect Oil-Free Baked Tofu

Get all the delicious, marinated tofu, but without the high-calorie oil. In this recipe, the tofu is pressed to get all the excess liquid removed. Then, they are marinated in a delicious blend of spices, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sprinkled with some sesame seeds. Lastly, thisPerfect Oil-Free Baked Tofu by Molly Patrickis baked to get a crispy and caramelized finish!

4.Crunchy Tofu Popcorn Bites With Sweet Mustard Sauce

Tofu and popcorn in the same sentence, who would have thought? To make theseCrunchy Tofu Popcorn Bites With Sweet Mustard Sauceby Cruelty Free Family, you need a Sriracha-spiked marinade, then a mixture of cornmeal and panko breadcrumbs. After they’re baked crispy, they make the perfect movie snack!

5.Crispy Tofu Stone Fruit Spring Rolls

The tofu slices in thisCrispy Tofu Stone Fruit Spring Rollsrecipe by Emma D’Alessandro are marinated in sesame oil and coconut aminos, and baked until crispy. They are places in the spring rolls, which also are infused with fruit, herbs, and dipped in a yummy sauce!

6.Crispy Chipotle Tofu Bites

These tofu bites are covered in gluten-free crackers and chipotle powder for some spiciness, which makes them enjoyable for almost anyone! TheseCrispy Chipotle Tofu Bites by Celeste Meredith are perfect as a snack, and perfectly paired with a dipping sauce made of vegan sour cream and great spices.

7.Crispy Tofu Over Thai Peanut Udon Noodles

A really delicious meal with baked tofu pieces, udon noodles, coconut milk, and all the good spices you use in Thai dishes. This recipe forCrispy Tofu Over Thai Peanut Udon NoodlesbyLee Khatchadourian-Reeseis simple to make, but so flavorful!

8.Crispy Baked Tofu With Shredded Veggie Quinoa

This dinner bowl is quite flexible, and you can definitely add all the greens you want or have available at the moment. The crispy baked tofu marinated in the oven lifts this dish to another level, and a yummy dressing makes it perfectly balanced with tastes. You just have to try thisCrispy Baked Tofu With Shredded Veggie Quinoaby Amy Height!

9.Crispy Coated Baked Tofu With Gravy

This plant-based dinner is made of tofu flavored with savory seasonings, and served with gravy. ThisCrispy Coated Baked Tofu With Gravyby Tara Binder is great to serve with any sides you want, and is the perfect dish for the whole family!

10.Crispy Thai Almond Butter Tofu

Skip the typical peanuts, in this dish it’s all about the almonds! ThisCrispy Thai Almond Butter Tofu byMelanie Sorrentinoinvites you on a flavorful journey, where the tofu is rolled in a sauce based on creamy almond butter, together with umami spices that are both spicy and sweet.

11.Foolproof Crispy Baked Tofu

There are days you simply don’t have time to do wrong, and that’s where the genius recipe of thisFoolproof Crispy Baked Tofuby Angie Li comes in handy. A tofu recipe without oil, but still oh-so-crispy! Use them in sandwiches, in veggie bowls, or eat them as they are!

12.Roasted Pumpkin Coconut Curry With Crispy Tofu

A spicy coconut curry dish, for when you want all the good spices in one dish! The tofu is fried in a pan to make them super crispy, and they are added in the dish together with roasted pumpkin on a bed of rice. ThisRoasted Pumpkin Coconut Curry With Crispy Tofuby Plant Tribe will sure warm you up!

13.Crispy Baked Cara Cara Orange Tofu

Make your own Chinese takeout dish, which saves you both money and some calories! In this recipe, the tofu are baked to make them healthier, and coated in Chinese spices, and topped with an orange glaze. ThisCrispy Baked Cara Cara Orange TofubyKathryn Pfeffer-Scanlanshould definitely be your weekend to-go-dinner!

14.Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites

Crispy tofu blended with a hot, yummy sauce, baked until crispy, and dipped in a dressing of your choice – it’s all waiting for you! TheseCrispy Buffalo Tofu Bites byDana Sandonato are also a lot healthier than the original, so what more can you really ask for?

15.Crispy Lemon Ginger Tofu With Broccoli

An elegant version of the regular stir-fry with a sauce so delicious you’ll crave more after you’re done with the first bowl! TheseCrispy Lemon Ginger Tofu With BroccolibyDana Sandonatohave a tofu so perfect, it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and a savory and tender broccoli to perfect it all!

Don’t think this is the end of all the crispy tofu! You can find more where these came from by downloading ourFood Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead image source:Crispy Baked Tofu With Shredded Veggie Quinoa

Perfect Your Tofu With These 15 Crispy Tofu Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is an old trick to the crispiest tofu? ›

Freezing, then roasting tofu yields a crisp result without deep frying.

Is cornstarch or flour better for tofu? ›

Coating your tofu with a mixture of cornstarch and salt will give it a crunchy coating with great flavor. You can also use potato starch, regular flour, or even gluten-free flour instead of cornstarch, but the cornstarch crisps up the best. You can bake, pan-fry, or deep fry your tofu.

How to make tofu crispy like a restaurant? ›

There are a few tricks to perfect tofu. First, tossing cubed tofu with cornstarch will help you get a crispier exterior when baking or stir-frying. Pressing the block of tofu to eliminate excess moisture also helps. And you'll want to make sure you're using high enough heat.

How long to press tofu for crispy tofu? ›

Step 3: Press the tofu by placing paper towels, and something heavy on top. I usually use a sheet pan, and put heavy cans on top. Press for at least 30 minutes if you want super firm tofu. You should see a pool of water that has come out, and it should look and feel very dense.

Why boil tofu before frying? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

What to use instead of cornstarch for tofu? ›

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Why won t my tofu get crispy? ›

If your crispy tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be because there is too much moisture in the tofu. Another issue could be the oil isn't hot enough to fry the tofu.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze. But having one isn't necessary.

What is the tastiest way to make tofu? ›

Press tofu and cube it. Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

What kind of oil do you use to fry tofu? ›

If you want a nutty flavor, she suggests trying semi-refined peanut oil (such as Lion & Globe), or blending unrefined peanut oil one-to-one with a neutral cooking oil. Cook the tofu over medium to medium-high heat, searing it for one to two minutes on each side.

Can I eat tofu raw? ›

Eat it raw: Tofu is completely safe to eat raw. Whether you press it or marinate it, you can use raw tofu in salads, smoothies, or have it as a protein-packed snack. Marinating: Since tofu has a bland flavor, marinating it is very popular.

What goes well with crispy tofu? ›

This crispy tofu goes with a LOT of things… but off the top of my head:
  • Saucy Tahini Pasta.
  • Vegan Garlic Noodles.
  • Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad.
  • Cashew Pesto + Pasta.
  • Really anything you can think of, it's such a versatile vegan protein.
Apr 28, 2022

What happens if I don't press tofu? ›

And if tofu is vacuumed packed or firm already, you definitely don't need to press it. Here's why: moisture in tofu is a good thing. Tofu is over 80% water, and that moisture is what makes it such a succulent, juicy source of protein. Pressing it can make the tofu unnecessarily dry and strip it of its intended texture.

Why is my fried tofu chewy? ›

You can fry tofu without pressing it, and we recommend not pressing it before cooking. We think it's better not to press the tofu to keep it moist, soft, and silky inside and crispy on the outside. Pressed tofu can be dry, chewy, and rubbery.

Is tofu good for you? ›

Tofu also contains all the essential amino acids your body needs and is rich in minerals and vitamins, including calcium, manganese, iron and vitamin A. Tofu and other soy foods also are primary source of isoflavones. Those are flavonoids – plant-created chemicals that are associated with a variety of health benefits.

How to make tofu traditional way? ›

Cook the raw soy milk, then strain out the soybean pulp. Bring the soy milk back up to temperature, then add a coagulant to curdle the soymilk. Transfer the soybean curds into a tofu mold and apply pressure to form your block of tofu. Firm up the tofu in cool water, then it's ready to enjoy!

How do you make super firm tofu? ›

Instructions. Step 1: Press extra firm tofu for at least 30 minutes and cut into cubes. Add a small amount of oil to a non-stick skillet and heat over medium high heat. Add tofu to pan and brown on each side for about 1-2 minutes for a total of about 15 minutes.

What does adding cornstarch to tofu do? ›

A light coating of cornstarch will absorb even more moisture from the tofu's surface and contribute to a distinct coating. Sprinkle over the starch (potato starch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot all work too) a little bit at a time and toss the tofu, pressing gently so the starch adheres.

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