How to Cook Tofu That Tastes Good Recipe

Introduction

Cooking tofu that tastes delicious and has great texture is easier than you think. This simple method helps you achieve flavorful, crispy tofu perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces tofu block, extra firm, organic (350 grams)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (reduced sodium or gluten free)
• 2 teaspoons sambal oelek or sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Open the tofu package and drain the tofu. Remove excess water by wrapping the block in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels, then gently squeeze or press under a stack of cookbooks. You can also use a tofu press if available. This step may take from a few minutes up to 45 minutes, depending on how much water is in the tofu.
2. Step 2: Cut the tofu into bite-size cubes and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle soy sauce, sambal oelek or sriracha, oil, garlic powder, and black pepper over the tofu. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu cubes and toss again to incorporate. The cornstarch helps the marinade stick and creates a crispy texture when cooked.
4. Step 4: Cook the tofu by baking, grilling, pan-frying, or air frying according to your recipe or preference until golden and crispy.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve with your favorite vegan dipping sauce. Enjoy your flavorful tofu!

Tips & Variations

• Pressing tofu is key for texture; if short on time, pat dry thoroughly with towels before marinating.
• Replace sambal oelek with chili garlic sauce for a different spicy note.
• For extra crispiness, double coat the tofu with cornstarch before cooking.
• Try marinating the tofu for 15-30 minutes for stronger flavor absorption.

Storage

Store cooked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain its crispiness—avoid microwaving if you want to keep texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or silken tofu instead of firm tofu?

Extra firm tofu is best for this recipe because it holds its shape and crisps well. Soft or silken tofu has too much moisture and may fall apart during cooking.

Do I need to marinate the tofu for a long time?

While longer marinating enhances flavor, even a quick toss with the seasoning ingredients works well if you’re short on time.

How to Cook Tofu That Tastes Good Recipe

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This recipe shows you how to cook firm tofu that is flavorful and has a deliciously crispy coating, perfect for adding to your favorite dishes or enjoying as a snack. The tofu is seasoned with soy sauce, spicy sambal oelek or sriracha, garlic powder, and black pepper, then coated with cornstarch for a crisp texture after baking, grilling, pan-frying, or air frying.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (including pressing time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (varies by cooking method)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu and Marinade

• 12 ounces extra firm organic tofu block (350 grams)
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium or gluten-free soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sambal oelek or sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Coating

• 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Drain and Press the Tofu: Open the package and drain the tofu. Remove excess water by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently squeezing or pressing under a heavy weight like cookbooks for several minutes up to 45 minutes to ensure it is well-drained.
2. Cut and Marinate: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-size cubes and place them in a large bowl. Add the soy sauce, sambal oelek or sriracha, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gently toss the tofu to evenly coat each piece in the marinade.
3. Add Cornstarch Coating: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the seasoned tofu cubes and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. The cornstarch helps create a sticky layer that crisps up during cooking.
4. Cook the Tofu: Choose your preferred cooking method—bake, grill, pan-fry, or air fry the tofu until it is golden brown and crisp on the outside. Cooking times will vary based on the method but generally take 10-20 minutes depending on heat and equipment. Make sure to cook on a lightly oiled surface or tray to prevent sticking.
5. Serve: Remove the tofu from the heat and serve warm with your favorite vegan dipping sauce or as an addition to your favorite meals. Enjoy the flavorful, crispy tofu!

Notes

• Pressing tofu thoroughly is crucial to remove moisture and achieve a crisp texture.
• You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sambal oelek or sriracha.
• Cornstarch coating is key for crispy tofu, don’t skip this step.
• Cooking times and temperature depend on the method; for baking, 400°F for 15-20 minutes works well.
• This tofu is perfect for stir-fries, salads, or as a protein-packed snack.

Keywords: tofu recipe, crispy tofu, vegan protein, easy tofu cooking, baked tofu, plant-based