Food & Receipts

The Secret to Crispy, Delicious Fried Tofu: A Tasty Treat You’ll Never Forget

The following method of frying tofu will result in a delicious and crispy dish that will have everyone hooked.

20 July, 2024

Choosing the Best Tofu

Start by selecting the freshest tofu, identifiable by its ivory color and subtle soybean scent. Avoid overly firm blocks as these won’t yield a soft, silky texture when cooked. A gentle press with your finger should leave a slight indentation.

Once you’ve chosen your tofu, rinse it with diluted salt water and pat it dry with a clean cloth or kitchen paper. Cut the tofu into rectangular or square pieces of a manageable size for frying.

First Frying Stage

Heat your choice of cooking oil or lard in a pan. A good indication of the right temperature is when you see small bubbles forming around a wooden chopstick inserted into the oil. Gently place your tofu pieces in the pan and fry over medium heat. Allow the tofu to cook undisturbed for a while, letting it turn golden on one side before flipping it over to cook the other side. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden color.

Using Crispy Coating

For an extra crispy treat, coat your tofu in a batter made from a specialized crispy coating mix, widely available in stores. This will take your tofu to the next level, creating an irresistibly crunchy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

Second Frying Stage

A well-known culinary technique, the “twice-fried” method, is often employed to achieve the ultimate crispness in fried foods. It’s a secret to maintaining that crunch even after some time. This technique is also used for stews, where it enhances flavor, and for making sticky rice or roasted dishes more aromatic.

During this second stage, use a deeper pan and enough oil to fully submerge the tofu. Heat the oil to a high temperature, indicated by larger bubbles forming around a chopstick. Carefully place the tofu into the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp all over. The tofu is ready when you see tiny, crispy granules forming on the surface. Remove the tofu from the oil and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Note: To prevent oil splatter, ensure your tofu is thoroughly dried before frying, and you can also dust it lightly with flour. This will result in an even crispier treat.

Frequently asked questions

The secret lies in the preparation and the right technique. First, you need to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, which helps create a crispier texture. Then, cut the tofu into thin, even slices. Next, prepare a flavorful marinade and coat the tofu slices generously. Let them sit for a while to absorb the flavors. Finally, fry the tofu in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

It is recommended to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes, but you can go up to 30 minutes if you have the time. The longer you press it, the more moisture is removed, resulting in a firmer texture that is ideal for frying.

You want to use an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Some great options include peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning, ensuring your tofu gets nice and crispy without taking on any unwanted flavors from the oil.

Yes, you can use either firm or extra-firm tofu. Extra-firm tofu has an even firmer texture, so it may be easier to handle during the frying process and will result in an extra crispy finish. Firm tofu is also a great option and will give you a slightly softer, but still delicious, result.

Crispy fried tofu is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main course or a side dish. You can pair it with your favorite Asian-inspired sauces, like a spicy Sriracha mayo or a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a well-rounded meal, or toss it into stir-fries, noodles, or salads. It’s a great plant-based protein option that can be adapted to suit many different dishes and flavors.