Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu 

Tofu is a star ingredient in vegan cooking for good reason! With around 36g of protein per block, it’s a great way to add nutrition to a plant-based cuisine.

It can soak up any flavor you want it to, making it great in breakfast sandwiches and your main course at dinner. Our pan-fried tofu is delightfully crispy, perfect in sandwiches or Asian recipes like our bibimbap bowl.

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Along with its versatility, we love how accessible and affordable it is. You can usually find tofu in your local grocery store for around $3 USD. Some even come pre-seasoned! How great is that?

For more vegan protein options, try out our tofu scramble or these 15+ Beyond Meat recipes!

Recipe highlights

• Protein-packed
• Super simple to make
• Crispy and hearty
• Customizable flavors
• Beginner friendly 

For this easy recipe, you’ll need a non-stick frying pan, tongs or spatula, a cutting knife, and some measuring equipment. 

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Ingredients needed

• Tofu — our protein-packed main ingredient!
• Soy sauce — adds saltiness and umami.
• Sesame oil — to crisp up our tofu. Also adds extra flavor.
• Agave syrup — slight sweetness to balance out flavors. Helps with caramelization.
• Cornstarch — coats our tofu for easy frying.

That’s right, only 5 easy ingredients! Find exact measurements and additional flavor recommendations further down.

How to make this pan-fried tofu

1. Remove any excess moisture from the tofu by squeezing it and patting it dry with a clean kitchen towel. See our FAQ for other methods of extracting the water.
2. Cut the tofu into pencil-thick slices, then add the tofu to a shallow bowl. 
3. Sprinkle tofu with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and cornstarch, then toss to combine.
4. Add the sesame oil to a non-stick frying pan. Place over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tofu slices in a single layer.
5. Fry for around 3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on one side.
6. Add the remaining soy sauce and agave syrup to the pan and give everything a good stir. 
7. Flip the tofu slices so that they can get crispy on the other side, too! Once they are done, set them aside.

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Storage & reheating

You can store the pan-fried tofu in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop until warm or in the microwave for 30 seconds.

In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. However, the texture will be more chewy and meaty. 

Serving suggestions

Since tofu can easily absorb flavors, try experimenting with your favorite marinades and spices!

Marinades

Here are some marinade suggestions:

• BBQ
• Garlic soy sauce
• Teriyaki
• Peanut sauce
• Cilantro lime

Best Tofu Dipping Sauces →

Garnishes

• Scallions
• Sesame seeds
• Fried onion
• Kimchi

Dish recommendations

• Summer rolls
• Nourish bowls
• Pad Thai Salad
• Alongside brown rice
• Banh mi sandwich
• Fried rice

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FAQs & tips

What kind of tofu should I use?

We recommend using firm tofu. It has enough density to keep its shape and also enough absorbency to soak in marinades. Extra firm tofu is great for pan frying, but its denser texture makes it difficult to absorb flavor.

How do I drain tofu?

A common way to drain tofu is by wrapping it in a clean towel and weighing it down evenly with a pan (or something heavy). This process takes about 20 minutes.

Alternatively, there are tofu presses sold online that make it super easy to drain the water!

Is tofu healthy?

Yes, it is! Tofu contains all 9 essential amino acids essential to our body’s health. And, of course, it’s a great source of protein.

Find our favorite silken tofu recipes here.

More related recipes

• ​​Flavorful Roasted Cauliflower Leaves 
• Cheesy Roasted Broad Beans
• Tofu Feta Cheese
• Roasted Harissa Cauliflower Steaks