Crispy Pan-Fried Soft Tofu + 3 Variations

Step-by-Step Process

I recommend using soft or silken tofu for this recipe, but in a pinch you can also use a medium-firmness tofu. While silken tofu is my favourite, medium-firm is also great because the pieces are still juicy but they aren’t as fragile. If the only thing you have is extra-firm and super-firm tofu… the texture of this recipe will not come out the same. Save your firm tofu for dishes like Thai Red Curry, Scrambled “Eggs”, or Jajangmyeon, where they really excel.

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Gently remove tofu from packaging and slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Step 2: Mix cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Coat each tofu on both sides.

Note: Silken tofu is very fragile. Handle the tofu pieces carefully to avoid crumbling and breaking them apart.

Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Once one side is browned, use a thin metal spatula to flip it onto the other side. If your pan isn’t big enough to fry all the tofu at once, do it in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Step 4: Once tofu is browned on both sides, you can either throw in some veggies and stir fry a little bit until veggies are cooked, or just serve the tofu on its own. Plate the tofu and drizzle some soy sauce over top.

Pan-Fried Tofu 3 Ways

As someone who has been a devoted fan of soy in all forms from age 3 to present, I like to think I’m something of a connoisseur. And this way of preparing tofu is one of my faves. It’s easy to make and requires only the most basic of ingredients. Unlike most recipes for fried food, the batter is very simple. It consists of just one ingredient: cornstarch (with discretionary salt and seasoning). That means less mess, no need for multiple bowls, and a fast cleanup.

Another great thing about a basic recipe like this is that it works as a topping over just about any bowl. The three suggestions below are a good starting point. As you learn about which veggie combinations you prefer, you can start developing your own flavour combos. For example, this recipe works beautifully as a substitute for the vegan fried “egg” in this bok choy bowl.

The quantity of portions for the recipe above depends on how you are serving this. It serves 1 if planning to eat as the main attraction with some side veggies, and up to 4 if you are planning to serve the tofu as just one of many toppings on a meal. But, as I said, I love tofu, so I usually choose the first option myself. 😊

Spicy Crunchy Soft Tofu over Rice

This one is the simplest variation. I got the recipe from a Facebook group. It adds a bit of extra spice and flavour to the basic version. Follow the instructions above as written. While tofu is cooking, use the bowl you just used to coat the tofu and mix the remaining cornstarch together with 1/2 tsp white pepper, 2 thai chili peppers, 2 cloves minced garlic, and the chopped white portion from a scallion stalk. (The leftover cornstarch, once fried, adds additional crönch to the meal.)

When tofu is browned on both sides, move the tofu to the edges of the wok and add this spice mixture to the centre. Saute quickly for about a minute or until it starting to brown and smell fragrant. Transfer tofu to a plate of cooked rice and top with the spice mixture. Add a splash of dark soy sauce and top with chopped scallion, if desired.

Tofu with Bok Choy over Spicy Noodles

Note: I used Lotus Foods brown rice noodles from Costco, you can use any kind of Asian-style wheat noodles or even angel hair pasta.

Use 3 to 4 heads of baby bok choy per person. As the tofu cooks, you can weigh out your noodles (50–75 g per person) and wash your bok choy, separating each leaf. Optional: you can also add a handful of oyster mushrooms to each serving (50 g).

When both sides of the tofu are brown, transfer them to a plate and add noodles to the now-empty wok. Pour in enough water to cover the noodles and boil until they are almost done. Add the bok choy and mushrooms, then turn down the heat and simmer for a few minutes. You can tell the veggies are cooked when the bok choy leaves turn a vibrant green. Drain and transfer to bowls. Top with pan-fried tofu and a handful of scallions + sesame seeds.

Crunchy Tofu with Pepper and Snap Peas

When tofu is done frying, add one small sliced bell pepper and a handful of snap peas (or snow peas), along with any remaining cornstarch in the bowl you used to coat the tofu. Toss (gently! to avoid breaking up the tofu) with a spatula to cook the veggies.

Sprinkle with some salt & pepper or drizzle with soy sauce.

More Soft Tofu Recipes

• Hiyayakko (Japanese cold tofu with soy sauce and scallions)
• Vegan Pandan Kaya (where tofu replaces eggs for a veganized version of the classic Southeast Asian dessert spread)
• Sundubu Jjigae (hot and spicy Korean stew topped with jiggly soft tofu)