5 from 12 votes
Pan-Fried Soft Tofu
Pan-Fried Soft Tofu uses silken or soft tofu tubes, coated lightly in cornstarch mixed with garlic powder and salt, then fried until golden and crispy on all sides. The result contrasts a crispy exterior with a tender, moist center, enhanced by a drizzle of soy sauce for seasoning.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
1
bowl
Calories:
519 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine:
Asian, Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 tube silken tofu see Note 1, or soft tofu
- ¼ cup cornstarch or tapioca starch (arrowroot
- 1 tsp garlic powder (*optional)
- ½ tsp kosher salt or 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil use one with a high smoking point like avocado oil, generic cooking oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and pat dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Gently slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Mix cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt together in a bowl. Add tofu pieces to this bowl one by one and coat each side in cornstarch. (Add more cornstarch as needed.)
- Add oil to a wok or skillet on medium-high heat. If you have a laser thermometer, the pan should read 400 °F. Add tofu in a single layer; they should start sizzling instantly. Fry in batches if you have to (replenish the oil if it gets absorbed).
- Flip the tofu as they brown on the bottom until all sides are crispy and golden, being careful not to break them apart. Once they're done, transfer them to a plate or bowl.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and eat as is or read above for 3 ways to take this recipe further.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Using silken tofu tubes is ideal for texture; medium tofu can substitute for a firmer bite.
- Drain and pat tofu thoroughly to minimize moisture before coating and frying.
- Use oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil to prevent burning during frying at medium-high heat.
- Handle tofu gently to maintain piece integrity while flipping and frying for an even crust.
Nutrition Information
Calories
519kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
39g
(13%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
33g
(51%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
12g
(71%)
Monounsaturated Fat
17g
(85%)
Trans Fat
0.1g
(5%)
Sodium
1633mg
(68%)
Potassium
609mg
(13%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin C
0.04mg
(0%)
Calcium
99mg
(10%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 bowl
Amount Per Serving
Calories 519
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 519kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1633mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 609mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0.04mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 99mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.