Gooey Fried Tofu

Get ready to savor crispy perfection with this Gooey Fried Tofu recipe—a tantalizing blend of crunchy batter and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder and cayenne pepper, this plant-based delight features a light and airy batter made with sparkling water for maximum crispiness. Each bite-sized tofu cube is fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with soy sauce for dipping. Garnished with chopped green onions, this easy, 30-minute vegan appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that’s as indulgent as it is simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 60 grams cornstarch
• 60 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 180 milliliters sparkling water
• 500 milliliters oil (for frying)
• 30 milliliters soy sauce (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes (approximately 2 cm pieces). Set aside.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 4

Gradually add sparkling water to the dry mixture, whisking to create a thick, smooth batter. The consistency should coat a spoon but not be too thick.

Step 5

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (170-180°C or 340-360°F). Test the oil using a small drop of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.

Step 6

Dip each tofu cube into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. Carefully place it into the hot oil. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7

Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Repeat until all tofu pieces are fried.

Step 9

Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1247.9 grams (1247.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5236

Total Fat 519.90g	667%
Saturated Fat 72.50g	363%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4775mg	208%
Total Carbohydrate 117.00g	43%
Dietary Fiber 7.50g	27%
Total Sugars 5.10g
Protein 53.30g	107%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 636mg	49%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 880mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 87.3%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 8.7%