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Pan-fried Tofu (No Pressing Needed!)

Pan-fried tofu, the Chinese way, is much easier than you think to make—without much oil, no pressing or drying, and just 2 ingredients.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 204 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

For the pan-fried tofu:
  • 1 pound firm tofu (1 block)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
For the dipping sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • ¼ cup cilantro (leaves and stems, chopped)
  • 2 scallions (white and green parts chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic  (about 2 cloves)
  • 2 teaspoons Sichuan chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

For the pan-fried tofu:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Slice the block of tofu in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 3/8 inch (1cm) slices.
  2. Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oil, and spread it around the pan. Add the tofu slices.
  3. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan as needed so the tofu slices cook evenly. Do not disturb the tofu until they’ve fried for a few minutes. Flip and then cook for another 5 minutes, until golden on the other side.
For the dipping sauce:
  1. To make the dipping sauce, heat a tablespoon of oil in the pan you used to cook the tofu (no sense in dirtying another pan!)
  2. Add the cilantro, scallions, garlic, and chili flakes to a small heatproof bowl, so all the ingredients are side by side. Drizzle the hot oil over the top, paying special attention to the garlic and chili flakes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out all the oil.
  3. Stir in the water, light soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Serve with the pan-fried tofu.

Nutrition Information

Calories 204kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.04g Sodium 311mg (13%) Potassium 75mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 424IU (8%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 155mg (16%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 204

% Daily Value*

Calories 204kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.04g 2%
Sodium 311mg 13%
Potassium 75mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 424IU 8%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 155mg 16%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.