How to Cook Tofu

How to Cook Tofu

ASIAN·VEGSource

A versatile guide to cooking tofu using various methods like baking, air frying, sautéing, and frying.

1h 40m4Servings

Nutrition

416kcal
4gProtein
23gCarbs
35gFat
High Protein

Ingredients

BAKED TOFU
Extra Firm Tofu
1 piece
Soy Sauce
¼ cup
Oil
2 tbsp
CRISPY BAKED TOFU
Extra Firm Tofu
1 piece
Cornstarch
2 tbsp
Olive Oil
1 tbsp
Salt
To taste
to taste
AIR FRYER TOFU
Extra Firm Tofu
1 piece
Cornstarch
2½ tbsp
Nutritional Yeast
2½ tbsp
Soy Sauce
2 tbsp
Oil
2 tbsp
All-Purpose Spice Mix
1 pinch
SAUTÉED TOFU
Extra Firm Tofu
1 piece
Oil
1 tbsp
Sauce
¼ cup
FRIED TOFU
Extra Firm Tofu
1 piece
Oil
3 tbsp
Salt
To taste
to taste
SCRAMBLED TOFU
Extra Firm Tofu
1 piece
Oil
1 tbsp
Sauce or Seasoning
1 to taste

Equipment

Air Fryer

Instructions

1Press and Marinate Tofu (for Baking)30m
Press Tofu
Press extra firm tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Cut tofu into cubes or slabs and place in a glass dish.
Add Marinade
Add a sauce or marinade over the tofu. Soy sauce or oil-based marinades work well.
Marinate
Cover and allow tofu to marinate for about 30 minutes.
2Bake Tofu35m
Prepare Baking Sheet
Transfer marinated tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Reserve marinade and brush onto tofu during baking for extra flavor.
3Prepare Crispy Baked Tofu25m
Press and Cut Tofu
Press extra firm tofu for at least 30 minutes. Cut tofu into cubes.
Coat with Cornstarch
Place tofu cubes in a bowl and toss gently with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Prepare Baking Sheet
Arrange tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and salt.
Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved.
4Prepare Air Fryer Tofu15m
Make Batter
Whisk together cornstarch (2.5 tbsp), nutritional yeast (2.5 tbsp), soy sauce (2 tbsp), oil (2 tbsp), and a pinch of all-purpose spice mix to create the batter.
Coat Tofu
Rip the tofu into bite-sized pieces, which creates craggly edges that hold batter well. Toss the tofu pieces in the batter to coat evenly.
Air Fry
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through and continue cooking until golden and crispy.
5Sauté Tofu20m
Prepare and Sear Tofu
Press extra firm tofu for at least 30 minutes and cut into cubes. Add a small amount of oil to a non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add tofu and brown on each side for about 1-2 minutes per side, for a total of about 15 minutes.
Add Sauce
Once all sides of the tofu are lightly golden brown, add about 1/4 cup of sauce.
Caramelize
Cook tofu, stirring frequently, until the sauce has been absorbed and caramelized around the edges, creating a crispy exterior.
6Fry Tofu10m
Heat Oil and Fry
Press extra firm tofu for about 30 minutes and cut into triangles. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu to the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
Flip and Season
Flip the tofu pieces and season the cooked side with salt. Allow the second side to cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Season the second side with salt.
7Scramble Tofu15m
Heat Oil and Scramble
Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add pressed and sliced tofu to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break or 'scramble' the tofu into small pieces.
Add Sauce/Seasoning
Once the tofu is scrambled, add sauce or seasoning to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring, until all tofu is evenly coated and has started to absorb the seasoning.
Crisp Tofu
Allow tofu to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to become crispy. Give the tofu another quick stir to redistribute, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved. The longer it cooks undisturbed, the crispier it will get.

Tips

Pressing tofu for longer will result in a firmer texture and make it easier to achieve crispiness.
Tofu does not technically need to be cooked and can be eaten raw, especially silken varieties.
For extra flavor, reserve any marinade and brush it onto the tofu during the baking process.

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