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Quick & Easy Crispy Tofu Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

This Quick & Easy Crispy Tofu recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare extra firm tofu with a delightful crispy texture. Perfect as a protein addition to a variety of dishes, this recipe features tofu pressed to remove moisture, sautéed to develop a golden crust, and finished in the oven for extra crispness. The tofu can be seasoned to match any cuisine, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for a quick meal or snack.

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 14-16 ounces extra firm tofu (extra firm is important)
  • 1 healthy pinch sea salt
  • 1 tsp desired seasoning (e.g., curry powder, chili powder, tamari, tandoori spice, BBQ seasoning, Thai curry powder, etc.)
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil, avocado oil, or grape seed oil (optional; skip if avoiding oil but tofu may stick to pan)

Instructions

  1. Press the Tofu: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap the extra firm tofu in an absorbent towel and place a heavy object like a cast iron skillet on top to press out extra moisture for 5 minutes. Alternatively, use a tofu press for this step.
  2. Cube and Season: Unwrap the pressed tofu and cut it into small cubes. Place the cubes in a medium mixing bowl and season with a pinch of sea salt and your choice of seasoning depending on your desired flavor profile—curry powder for Indian dishes, BBQ seasoning for barbecue flavors, Thai curry powder for Thai-inspired meals, or simply salt to keep it neutral.
  3. Sauté the Tofu: Heat a large oven-safe metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and the seasoned tofu cubes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, shaking or flipping occasionally to ensure each side develops a slight crust and begins to brown.
  4. Bake to Crisp: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Bake until the tofu feels firm to the touch and has dried out slightly, achieving a crispy exterior. The tofu will become firmer the longer it bakes, but 15 minutes provides a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
  5. Serve and Store: The crispy tofu is now ready to be added to any dish. It pairs well with sauces like Peanut Sauce, Almond Butter Glaze, Curry Sauce, or Garlic Dill Sauce. Best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 375°F (190°C) oven until hot.

Notes

  • Use extra firm tofu for best results; softer tofu will not crisp as well.
  • Pressing the tofu is crucial to remove moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
  • Adjust seasoning based on the cuisine or dish you are preparing to complement flavors.
  • If avoiding oil, omit it but be aware tofu may stick to the pan during sautéing.
  • Store cooked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven rather than microwave for best texture retention.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/quick-and-easy-crispy-tofu-recipe/