How to Make Crispy Tofu in 5 Steps (2024)

This week on Basically, we’re diving deep into one of our favorite ingredients: tofu. To get all of this (and more) way before it hits the web, subscribeto our print magazine.

When I look at a block of tofu, all I see is POSSIBILITY. (Can’t say the same about looking at my Google calendar.) With a little ingenuity, a solid foundation of techniques, and a good recipe, tofu can be nearly anything I want it to be: simmered in a spicy stew like soondubu until soft and supple, warmed with dashi in a donabe, grilled and drizzled with chimichurri. And even though it might seem counterintuitive, since many types come packaged in water, tofu can also be “crispy” too.

I put crispy in quotation marks because we’re not talking fried chicken– or Pringles–level crispy here. Rather, “crispy” tofu is golden brown all over with a distinct crust. It holds onto sauce but doesn’t get lost in it. You’ll want to pop a cube into your mouth like a tater tot.

While tofu may not be born crispy—and, at times, may seem to resist all of your attempts to make it that way—follow these five steps and you can easily get it there. Here’s how to make crispy tofu:

1. Press it.

If you’re pan-frying your tofu, you’re probably using a firm, extra-firm, or super-firm variety (rather than silken). These have already been pressed in their creation—that’s how the coagulated soy milk becomes a block—but most could use a little more assistance. Because the drier you can get your tofu, the crispier it will become. You could pat tofu with a lint-free kitchen towel or paper towel before you start cooking (see No. 2), but even better to press some of that excess water out using a heavy weight.

Expelling water compacts the block of tofu, which accomplishes two things: It creates a denser, heftier, and sturdier texture, making the pieces less likely to crumble to bits as you fry, stir, and flip, and it reduces spattering when the pieces hit hot oil.

Tofu press, I love you.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

You can press tofu by using a tofu press (I’m a well-documented tofu press advocate—it just makes my life the littlest bit easier) or MacGyvering a DIY method: Place your tofu on a lint-free kitchen towel atop a rimmed baking sheet or cutting board. Blanket it with another towel, then place a cutting board on top and stack on all of your heavy objects, like cast-iron pans, cans of tomatoes, sleeping cats. To speed up the process, cut your tofu into thinner planks or smaller cubes before you weigh it down. By increasing the surface area, you create more pathways for the water to exit. Aim for at least 20 minutes or as long as you can muster. (You can also press your tofu for several hours or overnight—I usually just stick my whole tofu press in the fridge in the morning so that it’s ready to go at dinnertime.)

How to Make Crispy Tofu in 5 Steps (2024)

FAQs

How is tofu made step by step? ›

Step-by-Step
  1. Soak the soybeans overnight.
  2. Blend the soybeans.
  3. Strain the soy milk.
  4. Cook the soy milk.
  5. Create the soy curds.
  6. Press the tofu.
  7. Enjoy!
Mar 19, 2024

Why can't I get my tofu crispy? ›

2) Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Water-logged tofu never gets super crispy. The key here is to slice the tofu into pieces before pressing it. Have you ever tried pressing a whole block, or even two halves? They just sit in soggy puddles.

Should you coat tofu in cornstarch before frying? ›

Soy sauce – Or tamari for gluten free. Cornstarch – This is the secret to the most perfect fried tofu. Cornstarch forms a protective layer around each cube of tofu, which crisps up when added to heat. If you don't have cornstarch, arrowroot powder and tapioca starch also work.

What are five ways to prepare tofu? ›

Here are 9 tasty ways to prepare tofu next time you're feeling hungry.
  1. 1 Fry it. Sweet or savory, most foods can be exponentially improved when fried. ...
  2. 2 Scramble it. Tofu has the ability to miraculously mimic scrambled eggs when prepared correctly. ...
  3. 3 Sautée it. ...
  4. 4 Marinate it. ...
  5. 5 Grill it. ...
  6. 6 Bread it. ...
  7. 7 Crumble it. ...
  8. 8 Soup it.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

What are the stages of making tofu? ›

How to Make Tofu
  • Step 1: What You Will Need. Ingredients: ...
  • Step 2: Soak and Blend. Soak 3 cups of dry soy beans over night in the refrigerator. ...
  • Step 3: Stir and Simmer. Stir frequently and simmer for about 20 minutes. ...
  • Step 4: Strain Out Milk. ...
  • Step 5: Coagulate. ...
  • Step 6: Add to Mold. ...
  • Step 7: Finished.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

How long to press tofu for crispy? ›

How long does it take to press tofu? It takes around half an hour to press the tofu in preparation for cooking. It's simple to do and requires very little effort. You only need a plate, some absorbent fabric or paper, such as clean tea-towels or kitchen paper, and a weight – we often use a frying pan.

Is crispy tofu unhealthy? ›

Despite the nutritional benefits of tofu, fried tofu is not a healthy food choice. The problem lies in the frying cooking method. Although tofu is naturally low in calories and fat, frying adds tons of fat grams to the tofu and drastically increases the dish's calorie count.

What is the best oil to fry tofu in? ›

Frying oil: Regular vegetable or canola oil, peanut, corn, safflower or sunflower oil are all good options for frying.

How much cornstarch to add to tofu? ›

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch over the tofu, then toss to evenly coat. Continue sprinkling and tossing until all the cornstarch is used. This is most easily done with a small strainer, but can also be done by sprinkling with your hands.

How to keep fried tofu crispy? ›

I tried coating tofu with various blends of flour, potato starch, rice flour, and corn starch, both pan-frying and deep-frying, and found that the crispest, cleanest-tasting results came from a deep-fry in a simple coating of cornstarch. Crisp fresh out of the fryer, that is.

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 to season tofu with? ›

Drizzle with olive oil, and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle evenly with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated.

What makes tofu taste good? ›

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.

How is real tofu made? ›

Tofu is made from dried soybeans that are soaked in water, crushed, and boiled. The mixture is separated into solid pulp (okara) and soy “milk.” Salt coagulants, such as calcium and magnesium chlorides and sulfates, are added to the soy milk to separate the curds from the whey.

Is tofu healthy? ›

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.

Is tofu really processed? ›

Processed foods: When ingredients such as oil, sugar or salt are added to foods and they are packaged, the result is processed foods. Examples are simple bread, cheese, tofu, and canned tuna or beans.

Can tofu be made from other beans? ›

Although Burmese tofu is commonly made with chickpea flour, you can, in essence, use any dried legume and apply the same method by soaking and blending them. IMPORTANT: Some raw legumes, especially certain beans, are not safe to consume, because they contain natural toxins as a defence mechanism against wild predators.

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