Fried Tofu Recipe

Press the Tofu

Start by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron skillet) for about 15-20 minutes.

Cut the Tofu

Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).

Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will be used to season the tofu.

Coat the Tofu

In a shallow bowl or plate, add cornstarch and coat each tofu cube evenly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

Fry the Tofu

Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Drain the Tofu

Once fried, remove the tofu cubes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Season the Tofu

While the tofu is still hot, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fried tofu and toss gently to coat.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey or maple syrup. Mix well until combined.