How to Cook Tofu That Tastes Good Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
