This crispy fried tofu is deliciously addictive and super easy to make with just four ingredients! Perfect for everything from stir-fries to salads to snacking.
- 1 (15 ounce or 400 gram) package super firm tofu (Note 1)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt (Note 2)
- ½ cup peanut oil (or high-heat oil of choice), or more as needed
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Cut the tofu into small cubes, or desired shape. (Note 3)
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Stir the cornstarch and salt together in a small bowl.
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Pour the oil into a medium nonstick skillet, adding enough oil to reach a depth about half the thickness of your tofu pieces. Place the skillet over medium heat.
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Add a few tofu cubes to the cornstarch mixture and gently turn them to coat them.
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Once the oil begins to shimmer, remove the tofu pieces from the bowl, one at a time, shaking or brushing off any excess cornstarch and then placing them in the skillet.
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Fry the tofu in batches, adding only as many pieces to the skillet at a time as you can fit without crowding.
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Fry the tofu pieces for 4 to 5 minutes, then carefully flip them and fry an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
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The tofu pieces are finished frying when the breading is crusty and very slightly darkened.
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Transfer the fried tofu pieces from the skillet to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
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Continue frying the tofu in baches, adding oil to the skillet as necessary.
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Serve.
- Other varieties of tofu will work with this recipe. Firm or extra-firm tofu will need to be pressed before beginning.
- Omit the salt if you'll be serving your fried tofu in a very saucy dish, such as a stir-fry.
- You can cut your tofu into just about any shape, but avoid making the pieces too large (more than 1 inch thick). If they're too large it will be difficult to get the oil deep enough for pan-frying.