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    "home" » Recipes » Meatless

    Perfect Crispy Pan-fried Tofu

    Modified: May 10, 2025 · Published: Mar 7, 2022 bySophie Viau

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    Here’s the Easiest Pan-fried Tofu Recipe you will ever find. you can make this sauteed tofu in just 15 minutes.

    To be honest, I even hesitated before sharing this recipe on the blog because I thought it was not really a recipe! But as I make this tofu every week and it's my best way to cook tofu I told myself that you would surely like to have this delicious express and easy recipe.

    top view to the crispy and spicy tofu, serve in a bowl with rice and bokchoy.
    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this recipe
    • The ingredients
    • Step-by-step with photos
    • Optional sauce recipe
    • Tips
    • FAQ'S
    • Tofu Recipes
    • Perfect Crispy Pan fried Tofu

    Why you will love this recipe

    1. Crispy Texture: The tofu in this recipe is sautéed to golden brown perfection, giving it a delightful crispy exterior. If you enjoy crispy foods, you'll appreciate the contrast of textures.
    2. Flavorful Seasonings: The combination of granulated onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional Sriracha sauce adds layers of flavor to the tofu. These seasonings transform it into a tasty, savory treat.
    3. Customizable Spice Level: Whether you love a bit of heat or prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the Sriracha sauce to suit your spice tolerance. It's all about making it your own.
    4. Versatile Pairings: Sautéed tofu is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of side dishes. Serve it with rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite veggies to create a meal that suits your taste buds.
    5. Easy and Quick: This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a quick and straightforward way to satisfy your hunger.

    If you love tofu recipes make sure to try these Savory Baked Tofu and Easy Balsamic Tofu recipes

    The ingredients

    You will need these simple ingredients you can easily find at your grocery stores to make this pan-fried tofu 

    all the ingredients you need to make the recipe
    • Firm or extra-firm tofu
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Oil
    • Sriracha sauce
    • Sesame seeds
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    See recipe card for quantities

    optional: green onions, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds

    Step-by-step with photos

    tofu in a skillet ready to cook.

    Step 1: Start by pressing the tofu in a tofu press or between paper towels

    In a cast iron pan or large skillet over medium-high heat add the olive oil, tofu cubes in a single layer, and spices.

    tofu cooked in a skillet.

    Step 2: Cook for 10 minutes until tofu is browned and crisp.

    Serve with rice and steamed vegetables like bok choy and green beans

    Optional sauce recipe

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

    Preparation

    • Mix the ingredients in a small bowl,
    • Reduce heat to medium heat, and add the hot pan to cover the tofu pieces
    • Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes

    Tips


    Press the Tofu Thoroughly:
     Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and allow it to absorb flavors better. You can use a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes.

    Marinate for Flavor: Marinating tofu adds depth and richness to its taste. You can experiment with different marinades, such as teriyaki, barbecue, or curry-based, depending on the flavor profile you want to achieve.

    Use Extra-Firm Tofu: Extra-firm tofu is the best choice for sautéing because it holds its shape well and develops a crispy exterior while staying creamy inside.

    Cut Uniformly: When cutting tofu into cubes or slices, try to make them uniform in size. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.

    Preheat the Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the tofu. This helps in achieving a nice sear and prevents sticking.

    Don't Crowd the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing tofu. Cook it in batches if needed to ensure each piece has enough space to brown evenly.

    Season Generously: Seasoning is key to tasty tofu. Don't be afraid to use spices, herbs, and sauces to add flavor. Taste and adjust as you go to suit your preferences.

    Close up of top view to the crispy and spicy tofu, serve in a bowl with rice and bokchoy

    FAQ'S

    What is the best tofu to use for sautéing?

    The best tofu for sautéing is extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture for a crispy texture.

    What happens if you don't press tofu?

    You can technically still cook and eat tofu that has not been pressed but it will not absorb flavor as much and the texture will be softener.

    How long can I keep the tofu after it's been cooked

    You can keep the tofu for about 4 days in the fridge, you can also freeze it for 3 months.

    Can I make these recipes in advance for meal prep?

    Yes! Store and reheat them for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

    Tofu Recipes

    Pan-Fried Tofu with Creamy Lemon Sauce

    Tofu Drunken Noodle- Mason Jar lunch

    Savory Baked Tofu

    Balsamic Tofu

    Sheet pan tofu fajitas

    Perfect Crispy Pan fried Tofu

    Sophie Viau
    The tofu in this recipe is sautéed to golden brown perfection, giving it a delightful crispy exterior. If you enjoy crispy foods, you'll appreciate the contrast of textures.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Course main dish
    Cuisine asian
    Servings 4
    Calories 96 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 block (14oz) extra firm tofu cut in small cubes about ½ inch
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and Pepper to taste
    • Sriracha Sauce to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Start by pressing the tofu in a tofu press or between paper towels
    • In a cast iron pan or large skillet over medium-high heat add the olive oil, tofu cubes in a single layer, and spices.
    • Cook for 10 minutes until tofu is golden brown and crispy.
    • Serve with rice and steamed vegetables like bok choy and green beans

    Notes

    • You can keep the tofu for about 4 days in the fridge, you can also freeze it for 3 months.
    • Press the Tofu Thoroughly: Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture and allow it to absorb flavors better. You can use a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword pan fried
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    5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Sophie the author on a white background

    Hi I'm Sophie!

    I’m Sophie, the recipe creator and food photographer behind Noble Veggies. Here, you’ll find easy recipes that are all about balance, think cheesy pasta with broccoli, sheet pan chicken loaded with roasted veggies, and even a few veggie-packed sweets. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making room for real food, quick prep, and a little veggie love on every plate.

    More about me

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