Quick & Easy Crispy Soy Garlic Tofu
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
2
-
Calories
267 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Chinese
Quick & Easy Crispy Soy Garlic Tofu
Description
The Quick & Easy Crispy Soy Garlic Tofu starts by patting firm tofu dry and cutting it into cubes, which are then generously coated with cornstarch to achieve a crisp exterior. Cooking the tofu in vegetable oil until golden provides a crunchy texture while keeping the inside tender. The accompanying sauce blends soy sauce variants, minced garlic, oyster sauce, sugar, vinegar, and a splash of Shaoxing wine, simmered gently to thicken and coat the tofu evenly.
The contrast of the crunchy tofu and the glossy, flavorful sauce yields a balanced bite with umami depth from the soy and oyster sauce, a mild sweetness, and subtle acidity. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness and nutty notes. The recipe allows for air frying as an alternative, producing a crispy result with less oil.
This tofu is best served immediately to keep its crispiness intact and makes a versatile addition to meals, suitable as a main or a protein-rich side.
Ingredients
- 12.34 oz tofu liquids strained out (no pressing required, extra firm
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ½-3/4 cup cornstarch or potato starch, add more if needed
- 1 green onion finely chopped for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Sauce
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce regular
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir fry sauce for a vegan version
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry wine, dry white wine or omit altogether, cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar white
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch or tapioca starch
- ½ cup water room temperature
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above and set aside.
- Pat dry the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture and dice into ¾-inch cubes. Set aside.
- Spread cornstarch onto a large plate or baking sheet and generously and gently coat the diced tofu in small batches. Feel free to add more cornstarch if needed. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat. Fry coated tofu until golden and crispy, about 14-20 mins in total, flipping over halfway. Remove fried tofu from pan and set aside.
- Add the sauce into the pan and simmer to thicken.
- Toss fried tofu in the thickened sauce until evenly coated. Remove off heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using an air fryer, lightly oil the basket and tofu cubes, then air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, to maintain crispiness.
- Ensure tofu is dry by patting with paper towels before cornstarch coating to maximize crispness.
- Adding green onion and sesame seeds as garnish provides contrast in texture and a flavor boost.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 267kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1369mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 347mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 83mg | 8% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
