Pan fried tofu, is a simple way to prepare tofu. The end result gives you a golden, slightly crispy tofu bites that will keep you coming back for second servings.
Thank you to EZ Tofu Press for sponsoring this post.
If you have been following me for a little while, you know that I love tofu. As a vegetarian tofu is a great meat-free alternative. Tofu is even increasing in popularity thanks to Meatless Mondays.
After you've made this recipe and you are hooked on tofu, I want to you try some of my other tofu recipes. If you are looking for my tofu favorites, I would suggest Tofu Fried Rice, Sweet and Salty Tofu Bowls and of course Air Fryer Tofu.
What ingredients are needed for this pan fried tofu:
It’s amazing what you can do with 2 simple ingredients!
- A block of tofu – I like to buy extra-firm tofu. It’s soft on the inside, but the firmness of the tofu allows it to hold its shape while frying.
- Oil – The oil is what is going to make your tofu a golden brown color. It is going to help crisp that tofu. I personally like to use avocado oil. I like the high smoke point of the oil.
Should I press my tofu?
That's a great question and one that I feel very passionate about. The EZ Tofu Press takes the liquid out of your firm or extra firm tofu easily, quickly, and with less mess than using plates and cans. This press utilizes simple mechanics and quality materials to ensure that it’s long-lasting and easy to use.
The plastic is BPA free and the grommets and screws are stainless steel. You can wash the EZ tofu Press by hand or in the dishwasher. Visit their website to learn more about this awesome product, or order yours now at Amazon.com.
How to pan fry tofu
- Take your extra firm tofu block and remove it from the package. Drain the liquid from the package. Place the tofu into the tofu press. Press your tofu for 12 minutes, turning the knobs tighter every 3-4 minutes.
- Remove your tofu block from the press. Cut the tofu into bite sized cubes.
- Place oil in a medium sized skillet and place over medium heat. Add tofu to pan.
- Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side or until all tofu bites are golden brown.
TIPS FOR MAKING CRISPY TOFU
- Be sure to press as much of the moisture out of the tofu as you can before dicing and air frying. Moisture is the enemy to a generous crispy crunch, so don’t skip this step! I recommend pressing your tofu for around 12 minutes using the EZ Tofu Press.
- You can also toss your tofu bites with some cornstarch or spices like smoked paprika before frying.
- If you prefer larger bites, you can cut your tofu into planks instead of cubes.
- Once your tofu is frying in the pan, let it sit until its time to flip the cubes. The more you touch it the more it will crumble and break apart.
More Tofu Recipes To Try
Pan Fried Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 2 T oil
Instructions
- Take your extra firm tofu block and remove it from the package. Drain the liquid from the package.
- Place the tofu into the tofu press. Press your tofu for 12 minutes, turning the knobs tighter every 3-4 minutes.
- Remove your tofu block from the press. Cut the tofu into bite sized cubes.
- Place oil in a medium sized skillet and place over medium heat. Add tofu to pan.
- Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side or until all tofu bites are golden brown.
Nutrition
Let's talk! Drop me a comment below telling me if you are a tofu fan! I'd love to hear about your experience with tofu!
This is great for us as we just started trying tofu.
I think you'll love this pan fried tofu, it is a great way to prepare it!
What a healthy meal for meatless days! It is easy to make, too. I am new in making tofu, but your recipe makes me comfortable to give it a try. Thanks.
I am so glad our recipe makes you comfortable to try it. It is a perfect addition to meatless monday!
I love tofu and I make pan-fried tofu cubes all the time too. That tofu press sounds like a neat little tool to have.
The tofu press is a MUST have!!
Thanks for the nice tutorial. Very helpful and will come back here when I make tofu.
You are very welcome, thanks for checking it out!
I love cooking tofu this way, it is my favorite way!! Great idea for dinner tonight, thank you!
You are so welcome Noelle, glad you love our pan fried tofu!
I love tofu and buy it whenever I see it at the store. Not going to a lot of stores right now though. But, what is a tofu press? I've never heard of it. But my husband will blanch at another piece of kitchen equipment! Okay, just watched the little video. But I think paper towels and plates are equally good.
Yes, some people use books or plates to press. We love the tofu press because it consistent and presses the tofu equally and doesn't create a hazard of stacking things :). I totally get it though about buying another kitchen gadget 🙂