The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2024)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Jump to Recipe

Learn how to make the best Crispy Tofu with this easy and yummy recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, this Tofu is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free.

Tofu: some people love it, some people hate it. I, however, believe that the people who hate it just haven’t had it prepared in the right way.

But no worries, friends – what if I told you that you could have thebest, easiest, andcrispiest Tofu EVER…with only3 ingredients total andsuper simple steps?! Well, I’m tellin’ ya. This crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Tofu is about to change. your. life. And become a regular staple in your recipe rotation. 😉

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (1)

Tofucan be bland, and itcanbe mushy – butit all comes down to the way you prepare it. As a vegetarian since birth, I’ve had more than my fair share of this soy-based protein. I’ve experimented with countless different ways to prepare it, and this method isby farmy favorite.

I’ve included my basic recipe for Crispy Tofu in a few other recipes on thisblog, but wanted to make a complete run-down of the steps + method for you all, including my tips and tricks. So, shall we?

Step One: Press and Cube your Tofu

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2)

You’ll need one 14 oz. block of Extra Firm Tofu for this recipe. Firm will work too, in a pinch. Remove the Tofu from it’s package and drain any extra liquid off, then gently press as much liquid out of it as possible. I like to use a Tofu Press, but you can also use a couple of towels and a heavy object if you don’t have one.

Then, cube your Tofu – I like to cut the thickness of the block in half, then cut each half into 16 “cubes.” These are the perfect bite-sized pieces for your Crispy Tofu!

Step Two: Toss with Tamari, then Nutritional Yeast

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (3)

Place the Tofu cubes in a large glass bowl, then drizzle 1 tbsp of Tamari over them. Now that the Tofu has been pressed, it’s much more likely to absorb the Tamari flavor (and taste less bland). I like to use a large spatula to gently toss the Tofu, so the cubes don’t break. I prefer the flavor of Tamari in this recipe, but you can also use Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce.

Finally, we can’t forget about our third and final ingredient –Nutritional Yeast!Coating those cubes in atleast 2 tbsp of those golden flakes helps to (1) absorb any extra liquid and give a nice, crispy crust, and (2) adds atonof Umami + depth of flavor to the recipe. Honestly, the more “Nooch” you toss in there, the merrier!

Step Three: Bake Until Crispy!

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (4)

Spread your Tofu on aSilicone Baking Mat,leaving enough space between each cube. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the Tofu and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Istrongly recommend using the Silicone Mat here – it adds an extra layer of caramelization that you just can’t get with parchment paper!

After your Tofu comes out of the oven, it’s all nice, crispy, and ready to devour. I mean….can welook at those golden cubes?

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (5)

This Crispy Tofu tastes so delicious that I can (have, and will) eat it plain, but it’s also great dipped in to sauce or used as a bowl-topper!If you’re looking for more ways to use it, you’ll also love these Orange Tofu Buddha Bowls, these Banh Mi Bowls, and this Thai Red Curry Soup!

A Few Final Thoughts:

  • I strongly recommend using a Silicone Mat for this recipe; otherwise, your Tofu will not become as crispy.
  • Prefer extra-firm Tofu? Freezing (and then thawing) your Tofu will provide a spongier, chewier texture.
  • Feel free to add in extra seasonings with the Nutritional Yeast! Some of my favorites include Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Seeds.

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (6)

Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂

Print

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (7)

Print Recipe
★★★★★5 from 83 reviews

Learn how to make the best Crispy Tofu with this easy and yummy recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, this Tofu is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free.

  • Author: Caitlin Shoemaker
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 Minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. First, preheat the oven to 425F.Drain the liquid from the Tofu and “press” the extra liquid out by wrapping it in a clean dish towel, or by using a Tofu press. Try to get it as dry as possible!
  2. Cut the Tofu into even cubes. I like to cut the block in half lengthwise, then cut each rectangle into 16 even cubes. (Note: I like to lightly press the cubes with the dish towel if I have extra time/patience)
  3. Add the cubed Tofu to a large bowl, then use a spatula to gently toss it with the Tamari, until evenly coated. Add the Nutritional Yeast, then gently mix until coated. Add more Nutritional Yeast or extra seasonings to taste, if desired.
  4. Transfer the cubes to a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat, leaving space between the cubes. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the cubes. Bake for another 20-30 minutes, dependingon how crispy you like your tofu. The Tofu will also get slightly crispier as it cools.
  5. Serve as desired; leftovers will last in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

  • Tamari may be substituted for Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce (not GF). I do not recommend Coconut Aminos as I find it to be too sweet.
  • I strongly recommend using a Silicone Baking Mat for this recipe; otherwise, your Tofu will not become as crispy.
  • Prefer extra-firm Tofu? Freezing (and then thawing) your Tofu will provide a spongier, chewier texture.
  • Feel free to add in extra seasonings with the Nutritional Yeast! Some of my favorites include Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Seeds.

Keywords: Vegan Tofu, Crispy Tofu, Oil Free Tofu, Easy Tofu Recipe

Want to save this Crispy Tofu recipe for later? Pin the recipe to your Pinterest boards:

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (8)

The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!) - From My Bowl (2024)

FAQs

Why can't I get my tofu crispy? ›

2) Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Water-logged tofu never gets super crispy. The key here is to slice the tofu into pieces before pressing it. Have you ever tried pressing a whole block, or even two halves? They just sit in soggy puddles.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in crispy tofu? ›

If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can try a substitute such as potato starch or arrowroot starch. Salt and pepper: You can also add additional seasonings like garlic and onion powder, paprika, nutritional yeast, etc.

What is crispy tofu made of? ›

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

Soy sauce – Or tamari for gluten free. Cornstarch – This is the secret to the most perfect fried tofu. Cornstarch forms a protective layer around each cube of tofu, which crisps up when added to heat. If you don't have cornstarch, arrowroot powder and tapioca starch also work.

Why is my tofu not crispy air fryer? ›

Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space around each one. If the cubes are too crowded in the basket, they won't crisp up as they cook.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

Baking is my go-to method for how to cook tofu. It yields flavorful, firm cubes that are perfect for adding to a stir fry, salad, or bowl!

Is cornstarch or flour better for tofu? ›

Swap Cornstarch for Flour

If you want a crispy outer coating for your tofu, flour can be a great substitute for cornstarch. Simply coat the tofu cubes or slices with a dusting of all-purpose flour before frying. The flour helps create a light and crispy texture while ensuring the tofu stays tender on the inside.

How much cornstarch to put on tofu? ›

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch over the tofu, then toss to evenly coat. Continue sprinkling and tossing until all the cornstarch is used. This is most easily done with a small strainer, but can also be done by sprinkling with your hands.

Which ingredient below is best substitute for cornstarch? ›

The 11 Best Substitutes for Cornstarch
  1. Wheat flour. Share on Pinterest AwakenedEye/Getty Images. ...
  2. Arrowroot. Arrowroot is a starchy flour made from the roots of the Maranta genus of plants, which is found in the tropics. ...
  3. Potato starch. ...
  4. Tapioca. ...
  5. Rice flour. ...
  6. Ground flaxseeds. ...
  7. Glucomannan. ...
  8. Psyllium husk.

How unhealthy is fried tofu? ›

Frying tofu can give it a crispy texture, but comes at a cost – it can be high in calories, up to three times more than baked or air-fried tofu. This is because frying requires added oil as a heat conductor, which cooks the tofu evenly but also makes it absorb more oil, resulting in more fat and calories.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Cut tofu into cubes. Step 2: Place those cubes in a bowl, and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Step 3: Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Step 4: Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until as crispy as you'd like.

What goes with crispy tofu? ›

I love to serve it up with some rice and broccoli to make a sort of buddha bowl, but you can also serve it in a stir fry or with my vegan fried rice. Tofu does not contain sesame as it is just made with soy beans, but this recipe contains sesame oil for a delicious sesame flavor.

How long to press tofu for crispy tofu? ›

Wrap the block of tofu in a clean tea towel then put it on a large plate with a lip. Put something heavy such as a frying pan on top, weight it down further with cans and jars, and leave for 30 mins.

How do you keep tofu crispy after frying? ›

Drying the tofu thoroughly ensures that it crisps up quickly. Using a batter for the tofu ensures that it stays crispy even after getting tossed in sauce. Cooking each component of the stir fry in stages and combining them at the end facilitates even cooking and browning.

Should you dry tofu before frying? ›

Most recipes (frying, stir-frying or deep-frying) require the tofu to be drained well and patted dry before cooking. This is logical, as moist tofu doesn't absorb marinades or spices and splatters in the pan. To pat dry, place a triple layer of paper towel on a wooden board or a deep plate.

Why is my tofu always soggy? ›

Probably it has too much water in it. One good solution is to put the tofu, in its original whole block, on a plate or sheet pan. Tip it at a slight angle by propping up one side. Put a weight — a plate will be just fine — on the tofu.

How do you get breading to stick to tofu? ›

Marinate tofu slices for as long as you can. Just before frying coat it in flour on all sides. Once floured, dip it in activated flax and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs – pressing the tofu into the breadcrumbs for better adherence.

How long to press tofu for crispy? ›

How long does it take to press tofu? It takes around half an hour to press the tofu in preparation for cooking. It's simple to do and requires very little effort. You only need a plate, some absorbent fabric or paper, such as clean tea-towels or kitchen paper, and a weight – we often use a frying pan.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5312

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.