• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Today's Delight
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
×

Home » How To

How to Fry Tofu (Prepare, Deep Fry and Pan Fry)

Published: July 31, 2018 Last Modified: May 1, 2022 This post may contain affiliate links.

Tofu can be deep fried or pan fried. If a recipe calls for crispy tofu, I deep fry. When making stir fry, I pan fry the tofu until golden or light brown with crisp skin and moist inside.

Instead of frying, you can also air fry tofu with only 1 tablespoon of oil.

What type of tofu do I use for pan or deep frying?

The best tofu for frying is firm or extra firm tofu.

firm tofu or extra firm tofu

How to prefer tofu before frying?

When buying tofu it is submerged in liquid. Poke plastic wrapper and drain water.

tofu in water

Once water is drained lay 5 paper towels on a flat surface and place tofu. Lay another 5 paper towels on top of tofu.

weigh tofu with something heavy
To remove excess liquid place something heavy on top of tofu. I use a heavy skillet or mortar. Leave it for fifteen minutes to half an hour. Replace paper towel if too soaked. Once excess liquid is removed discard paper towel and dice up tofu.

how to fry tofu

I have no time to drain excess tofu liquid how do I do it?

There are times when I am in a rush to cook and have no time to wait draining excess liquid. I take 6 paper towels, three folded paper towels in each hand and placing tofu in between both hands (like a sandwich) and pressing both hands inwards to squeeze out water.

use hands to squeeze water out of tofu
place paper towel under and above tofu

Another way is laying paper towels on a flat surface, place tofu, add more paper towels on top of tofu and pressing it with your hand to squeeze out liquid.

How to Deep Fry Tofu?

Deep fry for a crispy tofu. Fully submerge cut tofu in oil. An example is when I made a Filipino dish tokwa’t baboy (tofu and pork) I deep fried the tofu. Some people lightly coat the tofu with cornstarch before frying for a crispier tofu.

Steps in Deep Frying

When deep frying, pour enough oil to cover tofu. Don’t over crowd so it cooks evenly.

how to deep fry tofu
Once it turns golden or light brown in color use a slotted spoon to drain oil. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.

deep fried tofu

If not serving right away, when excess oil is removed transfer to a wire rack to retain its crispiness before serving.

How to Pan Fry Tofu?

An example of pan frying tofu is when making stir fry. I made Stir Fried Chicken with Tofu and Celery and I pan fried the tofu instead of deep frying. Pan frying is adding just enough oil to brown one side of tofu. It is not crispy but it stays firm and soft when pan fried.

How to Fry Tofu - Prepare, Deep Fry and Pan Fry Video


Pin
Share
Email
« Bangus sa Tausi (Milkfish in Salted Black Beans)
Easy Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe (Not Too Sweet) »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Our lucky star my Mom's profile for Today's Delight.
The Real Cook

Welcome to Today's Delight. My mom is a great cook and for many years had a catering business. Due to dementia, she doesn't remember. This food blog was inspired by our mom's cooking. 

More about me →

Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Salmon
  • Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast with Broccoli and Cheese
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Food Ideas

  • Steamed Snow Crab Legs
  • Garlic Butter Baked Cod
  • Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
  • Shrimp and Mushroom Recipe
  • Sauteed Spinach
  • Ham and Cheese Sliders

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact

Today's Delight is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2022 Today's Delight