Crispy Tofu (in 20 Minutes!) – A Couple Cooks

This crispy tofu recipe is the best, with crunchy sides and a tender interior! It’s easy to make on the stovetop or baked.

Over the years, we’ve become huge fans of tofu. And here’s a way to prepare it that we cannot get enough of: this crispy tofu recipe! It’s easy to make and comes out perfectly seasoned, with extra crunchy edges and a tender interior. There’s no need to even press the tofu! It’s actually pretty amazing that it can go from a tasteless blob to meaty, savory cubes in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients in this crispy tofu recipe

This crispy tofu recipe requires just 5 ingredients to make crunchy squares that are perfect for topping salads, bowl meals, and more. Tofu is soy milk that’s turned into curds and pressed into blocks. It was invented in China and is used in many Asian cuisines from Chinese to Thai. Right out of the package it’s tasteless and mushy, but cook it up properly and it tastes meaty and textured! Here’s what you need for this crispy tofu recipe:

• Extra firm tofu: This is important! Do not make this recipe with anything other than packages labeled “extra firm tofu.” Firm tofu or silken tofu will not work here.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch makes for crispy edges! This ingredient is also required. If desired, you can substitute arrowroot starch.
• Olive oil: Use olive oil for cooking the tofu in a skillet.
• Toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil is for seasoning the tofu after cooking it. Make sure it is marked “toasted” on the bottle; regular sesame oil does not have the signature sesame flavor.
• Soy sauce or smoked soy sauce: Use smoked soy sauce (smoked shoyu) if you can find it: it adds a delightful smoky savory flavor. If desired, you can substitute tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos.

Required equipment: a non-stick skillet

This crispy tofu recipe is pan fried on the stovetop. You’ll need one special piece of equipment for this recipe: a non-stick skillet (or an alternative non-stick surface like ceramic)! This is important because the tofu will stick if you use an aluminum or cast iron skillet.

Don’t have a non-stick surface? Go to this Baked Tofu recipe instead: it’s just as tasty!

No tofu pressing required!

Here’s one of our favorite thins about this crispy tofu recipe: it without pressing it! If you’ve made tofu before, you’ll know that often recipes indicate to wrap the tofu in a towel and placing a heavy object on top for 30 minutes.

Instead, this crispy tofu recipe doesn’t require pressing at all! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners because you don’t have to waste the time waiting for it to press. Simply dry it off with a towel and you’re good to go.

How to make crispy tofu

This crispy tofu is pan fried in a skillet, which takes around 20 minutes and is quicker than the baked version. All you need is a non-stick skillet! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Slice and toss with cornstarch: Slice the tofu into cubes. Dry it off with a towel, then toss it with cornstarch.
• Cook side 1: Place the tofu in cold oil. Then bring it up to medium heat and cook 5 to 6 minutes until one side is golden brown.
• Flip! Remove the pan from the heat to reduce spitting. Then flip the tofu with a spatula.
• Cook side 2: Return to the heat. Cook another 5 to 6 minutes.
• Season & cook a little more: Add toasted sesame oil and soy sauce. Cook another few minutes until the sauce is thickened.

Or, make crispy baked tofu!

If you prefer, you can make crispy baked tofu instead! Our method for baked tofu has loads of positive reviews and is easy to whip up. This is a great alternative if you don’t have a non-stick pan, or you want a method that’s less hands on.

To make crispy baked tofu, you’ll mix the tofu with cornstarch and seasonings, then bake it at 425°F for 30 to 35 minutes until crispy. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Ways to use crispy tofu

Crispy tofu makes a meal! This component works with just about anything: add a grain or veggie and it’s dinner. You can also use it as a vegan or vegetarian protein to add to salads, tacos, and more. Here are a few ways to use crispy tofu:

Storage and leftovers

This crispy tofu recipe saves very well! Though the tofu tastes best the day of making, it actually holds up well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s great for making ahead for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

More tofu recipes

Our tofu recipes are some of our favorites on this website! The baked tofu and pan fried tofu are standbys, and we’re glad to have this crispy tofu as part of our repertoire. Here are a few more favorite ways to make tofu: