The Best Pan Fried Tofu

Crispy, golden perfection is just minutes away with "The Best Pan Fried Tofu," a simple yet flavor-packed recipe that transforms extra-firm tofu into a savory delight. Coated in a light layer of cornstarch for ultimate crunch and infused with a marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and paprika, this tofu is pan-fried to crispy perfection in a nonstick skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, this plant-based dish is irresistibly versatile—serve it atop fluffy rice, toss it into a stir-fry, or use it as a protein-packed topping for salads and grain bowls. Garnished with fresh green onions for an added burst of flavor, this quick and easy tofu recipe will make even the pickiest eaters reach for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a must-try for tofu lovers and skeptics alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
• 2 stalks green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Drain the extra-firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2

Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat. Let them marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 4

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. This will help create a crispy outer layer.

Step 5

Heat the cooking oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 6

Pan-fry the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning carefully with a spatula or tongs, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 10-12 minutes in total.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Step 8

Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve immediately. The tofu pairs well with rice, noodles, or as a topping for salads and bowls.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	543.1 grams (543.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1186

Total Fat 88.20g	113%
Saturated Fat 9.80g	49%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1220mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate 44.10g	16%
Dietary Fiber 10.90g	39%
Total Sugars 3.50g
Protein 66.20g	132%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2761mg	212%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 1250mg	27%

*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: 64.3%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 14.3%