Tofu has been a mainstay of vegan cuisine for years, but crispy fried tofu recipes are even converting the most committed meat-eaters. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, fried tofu is a tasty, protein-packed substitute for meat. Whether you're a born-and-bred vegan or just looking to make healthier choices, these recipes will demonstrate how tofu can be converted into something you'll crave. Within the first few bites, you’ll see why these crispy fried tofu recipes are a game-changer.
From bold Asian flavors to classic Chinese tofu recipes, this list features a variety of delicious ways to fry tofu to golden perfection. These dishes also double as excellent vegan tofu recipes for meal preppers, busy weeknight dinners, or snackable appetizers that disappear in minutes.
Let's look into the top 10 ways to love your crispy fried tofu – and yes – your meat-eating friends will be asking for seconds.
Start with the classic. The crispy fried tofu is cooked in a pan until golden brown, and drenched in a sticky/glazy, garlic soy garlic sauce. You'll use extra firm tofu and once pressed well you will give it a light dusting of cornstarch prior to frying, and the glaze is made with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and just a hint of sugar. The glaze clings nicely to the crispy surface.
The reason why meat loving people will love this: The umami flavor with the richness and crunch of the tofu is satisfying on an indulgent level.
This fried tofu recipe is inspired by Korean street food and is full of flavor. Once you have fried the tofu to create a crunchy shell, coat with gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic and a little maple syrup. Finish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Perfect for: Game day snacks, grab-n-go lunches or spice lovers looking for something different.
The tofu strips are liberally slathered with a savory mixture of sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs before it meets the hot oil, and the result is a golden, nutty, and extremely crispy crust that contributes texture and richness. The sesame seeds provide a hint of toastiness while the panko provides a light, airy crunch in each bite. These strips are ideal for dipping, particularly when served with a spicy sauce of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a dash of chili oil — offering the ideal combination of tangy, salty, and spicy tastes. Great as an appetizer or snack, they're addictively irresistible.
Serve with: Stir-fried vegetables or place into wraps for a protein burst.
In this vegan version of traditional chicken nuggets, tofu is frozen and thawed to achieve a meaty texture. Once breaded in seasoned flour and fried, it's nearly impossible to tell the difference from actual nuggets — seriously.
A real takeout classic in a new and improved guise! This version beautifully combines perfectly fried tofu with fried bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and homemade sweet and sour sauce. The interplay between crunchy tofu and puckeringly tart sauce is simply heaven.
Perk: It's more economical, healthier, and fresher than your average takeout!
Bring Thai basil's fragrant flavors home with this Thai basil tofu stir-fry. Pan-fry tofu until crispy, then stir-fry it with garlic, chilies, soy sauce, and lots of Thai basil. It's spicy, fragrant, and an absolute flavor bomb.
Serve with: Jasmine rice or noodles for a full meal.
Who needs meat to make tacos great? These spicy fusion-style tacos replace the meat with wonderfully seasoned, crunchy fried tofu that packs a wallop in the flavor and texture departments. Coated with a cool cabbage slaw and spiked with creamy, spicy sriracha mayo, every bite's got a happy crunch and kick. It's a bright, plant-based variation on traditional street tacos even most devoted meatheads will desire. Great for weeknight supper or weekend get-togethers, these tofu tacos are as much fun to eat as they are fun to prepare.
Bonus Tip: Serve with corn tortillas for a gluten-free meal.
This is a favorite recipe for a reason. General Tso's Fried Tofu combines deep-fried tofu pieces in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that clings to every crispy bite. A must-try for Chinese-American food lovers.
Pro Tip: Double-fry the tofu for ultra-crisp texture.
Wings? These tofu "wings" are tossed in hot buffalo sauce after being deep-fried to crispy perfection. They're great for game day or if you want bar food without the meat.
Serve with: Celery sticks and dairy-free ranch dip.
Agedashi tofu is a traditional Japanese dish made with silken tofu that is coated lightly with potato starch and deep-fried. It is served in a flavorful dashi broth, topped with garnishes of green onions and grated daikon, and it's a comforting and elegant dish.
Best enjoyed as: An appetizer, or as a light meal with steamed rice to accompany it.
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Crispy fried tofu recipes have gone from a vegan staple to a full-blown food movement. Properly prepared tofu can have the same texture and comfort as meat, without the bad stuff (such as zero cholesterol and less saturated fats).
Tofu's versatility makes it a sponge for the flavors of your marinades and sauces, so it's the ideal canvas for Asian tofu recipes and fusion-style dinners alike. Whether you're preparing fried tofu recipes for the family or wowing guests, it's simple to make tofu the star of your plate.
If you've ever been curious why restaurant tofu is so crunchy, the trick is in the preparation:
Fried Tofu may add calories, but it's still way healthier than a lot of fried meat-based dishes. A few reasons why:Plant-based protein: Tofu is high in protein and iron.Low in saturated fat: Tofu is cholesterol free and good for your heart.Calcium: Tofu is a good source of calcium especially if made with calcium sulfate in the ingredients.Naturally gluten-free: this is key for some people as there are many sensitivities.All vegan tofu dishes are full of whole grains and vegetables. No wonder why they are healthy and delicious meals.
Cooking ahead? These crunchy fried tofu recipes work well for batch cooking too.
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If you are working on a more plant-based diet or just looking to cut back on meat, crispy fried tofu will be your new best friend. These 10 crispy fried tofu recipes showcase that tofu is anything but boring; it is huge, fulfilling, and takes on a whole new range of cooking opportunities.
From spicy Asian tofu recipes to decadent Chinese tofu recipes, there's one here to suit every taste. And with spices, sauces, and techniques at hand, even your most reluctant friends will catch themselves gobbling up tofu with a grin.
Try these recipes out — you might just convert to tofu.
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