4.18 from 168 votes

The Best Pan-Fried Crispy Tofu

Jump to Recipe
Try this crispy golden pan-fried soy tofu. It's made in just 15 minutes and it's guaranteed to convert any tofu hater into a tofu lover.
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
£0.44
Makes: 4
mains
Asian

Table of Contents

  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Ingredients
  3. How to make this recipe
4.18 from 168 votes

The Best Pan-Fried Crispy Tofu

Jump to Recipe
Try this crispy golden pan-fried soy tofu. It's made in just 15 minutes and it's guaranteed to convert any tofu hater into a tofu lover.
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
£0.44
Makes: 4
mains
Asian

Why this recipe works

If you hate tofu, this is the recipe to convert you. I have no time for soggy, waterlogged tofu. This recipe achieves the crispiest, stickiest, most flavourful tofu that’ll make you a tofu lover within one bite. We achieve the crispy tofu by using a coating of cornflour during the soy marinade stage. When combined with a high heat and left to fry, it forms the crispiest exterior.

Close up of crispy brown tofu in frying pan

Ingredients

Firm Tofu

We need to use firm tofu for this recipe so that the tofu can withstand the frying without falling apart. So silken tofu is a big no no!

Soy Sauce

This umami packed ingredient is the backbone of flavour behind this dish.

Honey

The honey offers a balance of sweetness against the salty soy sauce. It also helps the aubergine & tofu caramelise and crisp up.

Cornflour

The coating of cornflour is what provides the crispy layer around the tofu- don’t skip out on this ingredient!

Overhead shot of ingredients

How to make this recipe

Start by removing the Tofu from it’s wrapping and removing any excess liquid and cut into cubes. With a kitchen towel squeeze and pat the tofu to remove any excess liquid.

Tofu cut into cubes on wooden chopping being pat dry with kitchen towel

Add to a large bowl with 1 tbsp of soy sauce. Toss to combine.

Soy sauce added to tofu in a glass bowl

Then using a sieve, sprinkle the cornflour over the tofu whilst tossing occasionally to evenly coat.

Cornflour being added to sieve over the tofu in bowl

Using a non-stick frying pan, add a tbsp of rapeseed oil. Wait until the oil is hot (start on high heat) and then add the tofu into the pan. Evenly distribute the pieces tofu across the pan so none of the pieces are touching, otherwise they’ll stick together. Leave to fry for around 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on one side. Then keep turning to get that crispy brown coating.

Tofu browning in pan

Then add the remaining soy sauce and honey into the pan and rotate the pieces of tofu, until the tofu has turned super crispy. Honey added to pan and tofu browning further

Serving suggestions: Serve over rice, with noodles, in a salad or with roasted soy veggies.

The Best Pan-Fried Crispy Tofu

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4.18 from 168 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
£0.44
mains
Asian
Servings: 4
Try this crispy golden pan-fried soy tofu. It's made in just 15 minutes and it's guaranteed to convert any tofu hater into a tofu lover.

Ingredients

  • 396 g Cauldron tofu/ any firm tofu (£2.10)

Cupboard Essentials

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp corn flour
  • 2 tbsp rapeseed oil

Method

  • Start by removing the excess moisture from the cubed tofu by squeezing and patting with some kitchen towel. Add to a large bowl and coat with 1 tbsp of the soy sauce. Toss to combine.
  • Using a sieve, sprinkle the cornflour over the tofu whilst tossing occasionally to evenly coat.
  • Add the rapeseed oil to non-stick frying pan on a high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and then add the tofu into the pan. Evenly distribute the tofu across the pan so none of them are touching, otherwise they'll stick together. Leave to fry for around 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on one side.
  • Add the remaining soy sauce and honey into the pan and rotate the pieces of tofu, until at least two sides of the tofu are super crispy.
  • Serving suggestions: Serve over rice, with noodles, in a salad or with roasted soy veggies.

Nutrition

Servings: 4 servings
Fat: 14g
Calories: 209kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 14g
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Comments

  1. I’m not a tofu lover, but thought I’d try this recipe as it looks so tasty in the pictures. I hadn’t realised how by adding some cornflour, soy sauce and honey and slowly frying the tofu until golden brown and crispy changed my opinion. Instead of the soggy tofu I’d tried before, this crispy version was so delicious and mixed with some rice and vegetables made the ideal dinner.5 stars

  2. Jennifer Sevitt | 1 year ago

    This was so tasty!5 stars

  3. I tied this recipe but did it backward – lol let me explain. I put the honey in with the cornstarch soysauce on withbefore they went into the pan. I hit it with the last 2 tbl of soysauce and as it cooled sprinkled it with garlic powder. Its was unbelievably good.5 stars

    1. Mimi Harrison | 12 months ago

      oooo that sounds delicious! Glad you really enjoyed it and thanks for the message!

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