Fried Tofu

 

Frying With Tofu

When frying tofu, remember to press it well first. One method is to put a bit of oil in a pan, and fry small cubes of tofu until they have a golden-brown skin.

Then add whatever sauce you like and cook until it absorbs most of it, and the rest is thick enough to use as a sauce. Another alternative is to use more oil, and coat the tofu before deep-frying. The most common coatings are flour (mix in some spices for a tasty breading), and cornstarch.

Cornstarch will yield a very crispy tofu; mixing it with a bit of water before coating yields a slightly different texture.

I don't recommend using other starches or gluten-free flour for frying, the texture and taste will be a bit off.

You can also scramble tofu like an omelet; cook with peppers, onions, garlic, some nutritional yeast, margarine, salt, spices, and a bit of turmeric for color

Fried Tofu Recipe

  • 1 pound firm or extra-firm tofu
  • 2-4 T peanut or vegetable oil

Slice or cube the tofu, place on paper towels, and pat dry.

Heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the tofu pieces.

Fry, uncovered and undisturbed, until golden brown. This will take at least 7 minutes, so don't check until then.

Turn each piece and repeat. Serve immediately.

Tasty with peanut sauce. Has a nice chewy/crunchy texture.

Spicy Tofu Stir Fry with Spagetti

  • 1/2 lb. spaghetti
  • 2 tsp. oriental sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/8 tsp. red pepper paste
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 2 cups red & green peppers, julienned
  • 2 cups sliced cabbage
  • 1/2 lb. bean sprouts
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts or cashews

Cook the pasta according to directions. Preheat the wok or skillet over high heat.
Add the oil, onion and spices, cooking until onions soften (2 to 3 minutes).
Add mushrooms, tofu and celery cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the cabbage and pepper julienne and cook covered for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring twice.
Add noodles, sprouts and soy sauce. toss then add peanuts before serving.