The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2024)

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Learn how to make the best Crispy Tofu with this easy and yummy recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, this Tofu is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free.

Tofu: some people love it, some people hate it. I, however, believe that the people who hate it just haven’t had it prepared in the right way.

But no worries, friends – what if I told you that you could have thebest, easiest, andcrispiest Tofu EVER…with only3 ingredients total andsuper simple steps?! Well, I’m tellin’ ya. This crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Tofu is about to change. your. life. And become a regular staple in your recipe rotation. 😉

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (1)

Tofucan be bland, and itcanbe mushy – butit all comes down to the way you prepare it. As a vegetarian since birth, I’ve had more than my fair share of this soy-based protein. I’ve experimented with countless different ways to prepare it, and this method isby farmy favorite.

I’ve included my basic recipe for Crispy Tofu in a few other recipes on thisblog, but wanted to make a complete run-down of the steps + method for you all, including my tips and tricks. So, shall we?

Step One: Press and Cube your Tofu

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2)

You’ll need one 14 oz. block of Extra Firm Tofu for this recipe. Firm will work too, in a pinch. Remove the Tofu from it’s package and drain any extra liquid off, then gently press as much liquid out of it as possible. I like to use a Tofu Press, but you can also use a couple of towels and a heavy object if you don’t have one.

Then, cube your Tofu – I like to cut the thickness of the block in half, then cut each half into 16 “cubes.” These are the perfect bite-sized pieces for your Crispy Tofu!

Step Two: Toss with Tamari, then Nutritional Yeast

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (3)

Place the Tofu cubes in a large glass bowl, then drizzle 1 tbsp of Tamari over them. Now that the Tofu has been pressed, it’s much more likely to absorb the Tamari flavor (and taste less bland). I like to use a large spatula to gently toss the Tofu, so the cubes don’t break. I prefer the flavor of Tamari in this recipe, but you can also use Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce.

Finally, we can’t forget about our third and final ingredient –Nutritional Yeast!Coating those cubes in atleast 2 tbsp of those golden flakes helps to (1) absorb any extra liquid and give a nice, crispy crust, and (2) adds atonof Umami + depth of flavor to the recipe. Honestly, the more “Nooch” you toss in there, the merrier!

Step Three: Bake Until Crispy!

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (4)

Spread your Tofu on aSilicone Baking Mat,leaving enough space between each cube. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the Tofu and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Istrongly recommend using the Silicone Mat here – it adds an extra layer of caramelization that you just can’t get with parchment paper!

After your Tofu comes out of the oven, it’s all nice, crispy, and ready to devour. I mean….can welook at those golden cubes?

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (5)

This Crispy Tofu tastes so delicious that I can (have, and will) eat it plain, but it’s also great dipped in to sauce or used as a bowl-topper!If you’re looking for more ways to use it, you’ll also love these Orange Tofu Buddha Bowls, these Banh Mi Bowls, and this Thai Red Curry Soup!

A Few Final Thoughts:

  • I strongly recommend using a Silicone Mat for this recipe; otherwise, your Tofu will not become as crispy.
  • Prefer extra-firm Tofu? Freezing (and then thawing) your Tofu will provide a spongier, chewier texture.
  • Feel free to add in extra seasonings with the Nutritional Yeast! Some of my favorites include Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Seeds.

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (6)

Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂

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The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (7)

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★★★★★5 from 83 reviews

Learn how to make the best Crispy Tofu with this easy and yummy recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, this Tofu is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free.

  • Author: Caitlin Shoemaker
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 Minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. First, preheat the oven to 425F.Drain the liquid from the Tofu and “press” the extra liquid out by wrapping it in a clean dish towel, or by using a Tofu press. Try to get it as dry as possible!
  2. Cut the Tofu into even cubes. I like to cut the block in half lengthwise, then cut each rectangle into 16 even cubes. (Note: I like to lightly press the cubes with the dish towel if I have extra time/patience)
  3. Add the cubed Tofu to a large bowl, then use a spatula to gently toss it with the Tamari, until evenly coated. Add the Nutritional Yeast, then gently mix until coated. Add more Nutritional Yeast or extra seasonings to taste, if desired.
  4. Transfer the cubes to a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat, leaving space between the cubes. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the cubes. Bake for another 20-30 minutes, dependingon how crispy you like your tofu. The Tofu will also get slightly crispier as it cools.
  5. Serve as desired; leftovers will last in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

  • Tamari may be substituted for Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce (not GF). I do not recommend Coconut Aminos as I find it to be too sweet.
  • I strongly recommend using a Silicone Baking Mat for this recipe; otherwise, your Tofu will not become as crispy.
  • Prefer extra-firm Tofu? Freezing (and then thawing) your Tofu will provide a spongier, chewier texture.
  • Feel free to add in extra seasonings with the Nutritional Yeast! Some of my favorites include Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Seeds.

Keywords: Vegan Tofu, Crispy Tofu, Oil Free Tofu, Easy Tofu Recipe

Want to save this Crispy Tofu recipe for later? Pin the recipe to your Pinterest boards:

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (8)

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2024)

FAQs

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.

How to make fried tofu like Chinese restaurants? ›

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. One piece at a time, dip the tofu into the cornstarch to coat both sides, then into the beaten egg. Immediately transfer to the skillet for pan frying. Cook until both sides turn golden brown.

What is crispy tofu made of? ›

Mix the cornflour, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Unravel the tofu from the paper, cut in half through the centre, then cut into triangles, cubes or strips. Toss the tofu pieces in the spiced cornflour to coat all over. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat.

Why is my tofu not crispy air fryer? ›

First, too much water. If you don't press the water out of your tofu, it can easily become soggy. Second, temperature. Cooking your tofu at a low temperature won't allow it to crisp properly.

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.

What can I coat tofu with instead of cornstarch? ›

If you want a crispy outer coating for your tofu, flour can be a great substitute for cornstarch. Simply coat the tofu cubes or slices with a dusting of all-purpose flour before frying. The flour helps create a light and crispy texture while ensuring the tofu stays tender on the inside.

What is the best oil to fry tofu in? ›

Type of oil to use for frying tofu: Canola is great and so are vegetable/soybean oil and refined peanut oil. In general, choose a neutral-flavored oil that has a high smoking point. That is, don't deep-fry with sesame oil.

Can you coat tofu in flour instead of cornstarch? ›

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 does restaurant tofu taste different? ›

This difference in taste is largely due to one key ingredient: salt. In the culinary world, salt is a key flavor enhancer that unlocks and elevates the natural tastes of food. When it comes to tofu, which is naturally quite mild-tasting, salt becomes a critical component in transforming it into something delicious.

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.

How unhealthy is fried tofu? ›

Frying tofu can give it a crispy texture, but comes at a cost – it can be high in calories, up to three times more than baked or air-fried tofu. This is because frying requires added oil as a heat conductor, which cooks the tofu evenly but also makes it absorb more oil, resulting in more fat and calories.

What should I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

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.

Can dogs eat tofu? ›

Dogs can eat tofu in moderation as it is not toxic to them, but it does not contain enough protein to fulfill their nutritional requirements,” explains Dr. Klein. As a result, you should not use tofu protein as a primary ingredient in your dog's diet.

How long to press tofu for crispy? ›

For the best results, I recommend pressing tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking, though longer is great if you're able to plan ahead. In a pinch, even less time can make a big difference. I pressed the left block of tofu in the photo above for just 20 minutes. An unpressed block of tofu is on the right.

Why is my fried tofu soggy? ›

"For a really crispy texture, it's best to use starch instead of wheat flour," says Norton. Wheat flour is too heavy and turns soggy when used in tofu recipes. Corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch, on the other hand, work perfectly with fried tofu!

Why is my tofu so mushy after cooking? ›

The tofu is too soft, too water logged (it'll just steam,) to large or cold for the oil, oil not a proper temp. Purchase extra firm tofu, let it sit in a colander or cheese cloth, slice it in wide strips or slightly larger then playing dice size squares, make sure oil is hot enough so that it begins to bro...

How do you get breading to stick to tofu? ›

Here are some things I do to make sure that the breading stays on:
  1. Dry tofu. The tofu needs to be very dry before you dredge it in the wet mix. ...
  2. Coat then freeze. ...
  3. Oil must be hot enough. ...
  4. Don't crowd the stuff you're frying. ...
  5. Dont force it to flip.
Aug 13, 2022

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