In this ultimate guide learn how to make tofu extra crispy. Tofu, a beloved staple in vegetarian and vegan diets, has the incredible ability to transform into a crispy delight with the right techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best method to make your tofu extra crispy and provide a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the one that suits your taste. If you want to learn more about tofu, check out my informative article, ‘What Is Tofu Made Of,’ here.
The Best Way to Make Extra-Crispy Tofu
Let’s dive right into the best method to make your tofu irresistibly crispy. We’ll also outline the steps to achieve this texture. Properly pressing the tofu is a key step, and we’ve got you covered. To simplify you take the block of tofu and press out the excess liquid. You can either use a tofu press or heavy objects, to press tofu, to remove excess water.
TIPS For Crispy Tofu
- Using extra firm tofu is one trick to get the best crispy tofu.
- Using corn starch
- Pressing tofu to remove extra moisture
- Cooking with a cast iron skillet or cast iron pan
- Cutting the tofu into smaller pieces
Best Method: Dredged in Cornstarch and Pan-Fried
This method, known for its simplicity and unmatched crispiness, consistently produces fantastic results. Here are the steps:
| Method | Preparation Time | Texture | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dredged in Cornstarch and Pan-Fried | 10 minutes | Incredibly crispy, delicate crust, creamy interior. | Everyone! |
Steps:
- Properly Press the Tofu: Before you begin, properly press the tofu with a tofu press to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu between two paper towels or clean kitchen towels and use a heavy object to gently weigh it down. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispy texture.
- Choose extra-firm tofu for the best results.
- With a cutting board cut the tofu into flat squares by halving the block lengthwise and then crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. You can also cut the tofu into smaller cubes.
- Dredge the tofu pieces in cornstarch in a large bowl.
- Cooking Tofu: Pan-fry them in a little oil (Olive oil, or avocado oil) over medium-high heat.
- Turn them occasionally until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve your crispy tofu and enjoy!
Side-by-Side Comparison of Crispy Tofu Methods
To help you choose the best method for your taste, here’s a comparison of various methods we’ve explored.
| Method | Preparation Time | Texture | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dredged in Cornstarch and Pan-Fried | 10 minutes | Incredibly crispy, delicate crust, creamy interior. | People who like crispy and soft texture |
| Pressed, Coated with Cornstarch, and Baked | About 1 hour | Slightly crispy but chewy. | People who like dense, firm tofu. |
| Pressed, Briefly Sautéed, and Finished in the Oven | 35 minutes | Exterior crust is chewy. | People who love tofu’s natural, creamy texture. |
| Lightly Pressed, Coated with Cornstarch, and Air-Fried | 45 minutes | Crunchy and firm. | People who want hearty tofu. |
| Lightly Pressed, Coated with Nutritional Yeast, and Baked | 50 minutes | Crunchy and crouton-like. | People looking for crunchy bites. |
| Pressed, Coated with Arrowroot Starch, and Pan-Fried | 45 minutes | Light, crispy coating, slightly chalky. | Cooks with arrowroot starch on hand. |
| Frozen First, Then Pan-Fried | About 16 hours | Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. | People who prefer crispy outside and chewy inside. |
| Deep-Fried | 15 minutes | Tender but firm interior, crispy exterior. | Fans of extra-crispy tofu. |
| Blotted Dry and Pan-Seared | 13 minutes | Crispy exterior, creamy interior. | Those short on time or who prefer crispy outside and creamy inside. |
| Brined in Salt Water | 35 minutes | Crunchy, seasoned throughout. | Anyone who wants perfectly seasoned, crunchy tofu. |
The best method for How to Make Tofu Extra Crispy, as we’ve highlighted, is dredging your tofu in cornstarch and pan-frying it. This simple yet effective technique ensures an incredibly crispy texture with a delicate crust and a creamy interior. Below are some crispy tofu recipe ideas.
Crispy Tofu Recipes:
Using tofu cubes will help crisp them up easier.
Tofu sheet pan is simple cubed tofu on a baking sheet.
Making Crispy Tofu in an Air Fryer
If you’re a fan of air fryers and want to enjoy crispy tofu, here’s a quick and easy method for you with simple steps. Below is a simple air fryer tofu recipe:
Here’s How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tofu in Just 10 Minutes:
- Place your tofu in the air fryer in a single row, ensuring each piece has a bit of space around it.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Shake the basket after 5 minutes and then continue cooking.
- Make sure you’re using extra-firm tofu and not silken tofu, as it will yield the wrong texture and may break apart during the cooking process.
- If you have a smaller air fryer, consider splitting the tofu into two batches to avoid overcrowding. Adequate space is essential for achieving crispiness. Try to have a single layer.
- Please note that air fryers may vary, so check if your tofu needs an extra 5 minutes based on your appliance.
Conclusion: How to Make Tofu Extra Crispy
By following these steps and considering the comparisons, you can enjoy tofu with the perfect level of crispiness that suits your preferences. To all the tofu skeptics out there, try out these techniques to achieve the crispiest tofu!
Now, make your crispy tofu and elevate your plant-based dishes to a new level of deliciousness! Enjoy crispy perfection!
This is perfect always looking to crisp up my tofu and find that tofu hold so much water. I will get myself a tofu press off Amazon and see how it goes!
Great to hear you found the tips helpful! A tofu press can indeed make a significant difference in achieving that perfect crispiness. Wishing you success in your tofu-crisping adventures! If you have any more questions or need further tips, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!
I’m going to try out some of these techniques to get my tofu super crispy!!
That’s a great idea! I hope the techniques help you achieve super crispy tofu. If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!