Crispy Tofu

 Crispy tofu is a simple yet irresistibly satisfying dish — golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and silky on the inside. It’s quick to make, nutritious, and perfect for both vegetarians and anyone looking for a lighter meal. You can enjoy it as an appetizer with dipping sauce or serve it with steamed rice and vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a wholesome main course. Best of all, it only takes about 15–20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingedients

16 oz (450 g) firm tofu

1 cup Korean crispy frying mix (or tempura flour)

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 egg, lightly beaten

Cooking oil, for frying

Seasoning:

1 tsp seasoning powder or vegetable bouillon

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp soy sauce

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp Korean chili powder (or paprika, for mild heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the tofu

Rinse the tofu with warm salted water and pat dry.

Cut into bite-sized cubes.

In a bowl, mix the tofu with the seasoning ingredients. Let marinate for 5–10 minutes.

Lightly coat the tofu pieces with cornstarch so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Coat the tofu

Beat the egg with a pinch of pepper.

Dip the seasoned tofu pieces into the egg mixture.

Roll each piece in the Korean crispy frying mix (or tempura flour) until evenly coated.

Step 3: Fry the tofu

Heat oil in a frying pan — enough to cover the tofu halfway.

When the oil reaches medium heat, gently drop the tofu pieces in.

Fry both sides until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crispy tofu hot with your favorite dipping sauce. It pairs beautifully with rice, noodle bowls, or even in lettuce wraps.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Classic Soy-Garlic Sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

½ tbsp sugar or honey

1 minced garlic clove

Optional: sliced chili or sesame seeds

Spicy Mayo Dip

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

A few drops of lime juice

Sweet Chili-Lime Sauce

2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce

1 tsp lime juice

A few cilantro leaves for garnish

Ginger-Sesame Dipping Sauce (for a more Asian touch)

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

½ tsp grated fresh ginger

½ tsp sugar

Optional: chopped scallions

Tip: For an even crispier texture, double-fry the tofu — fry once until light golden, rest for 2–3 minutes, then fry again for 1 minute until deep golden brown.