If you’re new to cooking tofu and looking for an easy recipe that goes well with many different dishes, you’ll want to bookmark this Easy Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe. I’ve been making it since I was a kid, and it’s my go-to tofu recipe when I need something easy, flavorful, and delicious.
If you’re new to cooking tofu but feel intimidated or want an easy way to cook tofu that tastes delicious every time, you’ve got to try this Easy Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe! This has been my go-to tofu recipe for decades; my kids love it, too!
I have tons of tofu recipes on my site, but at the end of the day, this golden-brown pan-fried tofu is most likely what I’m making. This tofu is not only easy to make but can also be used in many different ways. Add it to a stir fry, snack on it with peanut sauce, or add to rice, veggies, or noodles. It’s just flavorful enough that you can eat it by itself, but it also takes on other flavors well if you want to mix it with a stir-fry sauce.
Easy Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe Ingredients
- Tofu – These days, I pretty much only use the Super-Firm, high-protein tofu that you can get at Trader Joe’s or Sprouts. It’s great because it comes pre-pressed, so it’s ready to go right away, and it has a nice, almost chewy texture. If you can’t find super-firm tofu, I would recommend using extra-firm or firm and making sure to press as much liquid out of it as you can.
- Oil – I used olive oil to cook my tofu, but you can use any oil you prefer. You can go as light or heavy with the oil as you like.
- Soy Sauce – This tofu recipe can be made with soy sauce or tamari. I personally like tamari because it’s thicker and more flavorful, but regular soy sauce will also work great.
- Granulated Garlic – Granulated garlic is totally optional but a great addition if you love garlic. You could also add fresh garlic, but I wanted to make it as easy as possible!
- Salt – The soy sauce does add saltiness to the recipe, but I also like to add just a pinch of regular salt to round things out. It’s totally optional.
How to Make The Easiest Tofu Recipe
How to Make The Easiest Tofu Recipe- Remove the tofu from the packaging and drain all the liquid. Pat the tofu dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using extra firm or firm tofu, you will want to press it for at least 15 minutes to ensure most of the liquid is pressed out. This will give it a better texture.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2-3 teaspoons olive oil. Next, add the tofu and the soy sauce. Mix everything together and let cook for a couple of minutes without touching the tofu at all. This allows the tofu to brown nicely. Flip the tofu and cook for another 5-10 minutes until all sides are browned. I like adding granulated garlic when the tofu is about 2-3 minutes from being finished.
- Sprinkle the cooked tofu with a bit of salt and serve in any way you desire.
Tofu Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Tofu Gluten-Free? Yes, tofu is made from soybeans and does not contain gluten.
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes!
- What kind of tofu should be used? These days, I pretty much only use super-firm tofu that has already been pressed. It has extra protein, and I prefer the firm texture. If you can’t find super-firm tofu, I recommend using extra firm and pressing as much liquid out of it as you can. Firm tofu could also be used if that is what you have.
- How should this pan-fried tofu be used? I like to add it to bowls with rice, veggies, pasta, or salads. You can mix it with stir-fry sauce and serve it with noodles. I also enjoy snacking on it and dipping it into peanut sauce.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP.
Looking For More Easy Tofu Recipes?
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Easy Pan Fried Tofu
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
If you’re new to cooking tofu and you’re looking for an easy recipe that goes well with so many different dishes, you’re going to want to bookmark this Easy Pan Fried Tofu Recipe! I’ve been making it since I was a kid and it’s my go-to tofu recipe when I need something easy, flavorful and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 (14-16 oz) package super firm tofu, or extra firm with the liquid pressed out
- 2–3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, or oil of choice
- 2 tablespoons tamari, or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, optional
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Remove tofu from the packaging and drain all the liquid off of it. Pat tofu dry and cut it into bite sized pieces. If you’re using extra firm or firm tofu, you will want to press it for at least 15 minutes to ensure most of the liquid is pressed out. This will give it a better texture.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2-3 teaspoons olive oil. Next, add the tofu and the soy sauce. Mix everything together and let cook for a couple minutes without touching the tofu at all. This will allow the tofu to brown nicely. Flip tofu and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until all sides of tofu are browned. I like to add the granulated garlic when the tofu is about 2-3 minutes from being finished.
- Sprinkle cooked tofu with a little bit of salt and serve anyway you desire.
Notes
Serving size is about 1/2 cup – 3/4 cup of cooked tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner, Vegan
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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