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    Home » Lunch

    Easy Tofu Recipe

    Published: May 14, 2022 · Modified: Sep 28, 2022 by Shweta with 15 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    The best tofu recipe and only one you’ll need! This pan-fried tofu is vegan, easy, versatile, quick, and used with many of my tofu dishes when you're in a hurry. 
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

    There are a lot of simple tofu recipes out there but I'm here to teach you how to make tofu like a pro. You either love tofu or you hate it. I love it! This recipe is actually my husband's go-to recipe and it's one of the best tofu recipes ever! So obviously I made him write the ingredients down so I could test it and share it with you! This is also not a fried tofu recipe. I prefer pan fried or even baked tofu over fried tofu. If you're looking for a meal with tofu, THIS is the tofu recipe you need.

    Jump to:
    • What is Tofu?
    • 📋 Ingredients
    • 📖  How to Cook Tofu
    • 💭 Tips and FAQs
    • 🍴 Storage
    • 🍽 More Tofu Dishes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐ Reviews

    What is Tofu?

    • It's basically curdled soy milk made into a solid block. I like to compare it to the milk version of paneer.
    • It's a great source of vegan protein.
    • A great source of iron and calcium.
    • A great meat alternative.
    • Can be cooked in SO MANY various ways!
    Tofu Food photography image with chopsticks, served in wooden bowl

    📋 Ingredients

    • Tofu. I recommend using any super firm or firm tofu. It's my basic tofu recipe that I love using with the majority of my dishes. Tofu adds a great amount of protein to the dish. My favorite brand is Nasoya tofu which you can buy at most grocery stores. I look for non-GMO tofu and super firm or firm for these types of dishes.
    • Wet Ingredients:
      • Olive oil
      • Soy sauce
      • Maple syrup
      • Optional: Sriracha
    • Dry Ingredients
      • Garlic powder
      • Black pepper
      • Nutritional yeast

    📖  How to Cook Tofu

    • Press the tofu. Wrap the tofu in an absorbent towel and placing something heavy on it to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). After the tofu is pressed, cube the tofu.
    • Cook the tofu. Heat a non-stick skillet and add oil on medium heat. Add the tofu. Sauté for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook until golden brown and becomes slightly crispy tofu.
    • Add your flavors! Add the liquid ingredients over the tofu. Then, add the dry ingredients and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Cook for additional time if you prefer yours browner!

    💭 Tips and FAQs

    Do I need a tofu press?

    No. Tofu presses are helpful and functional but I don’t have one and I’m perfectly okay with that. Some claim that they’re life changing-which I believe may be true, but right now I’m perfectly fine using my towels and heavy Ikea cutting board to press my tofu.

    Which tofu is the best?

    I prefer using firm tofu or extra firm tofu for this dish. 

    Do I need to marinate the tofu?

    Although marinated tofu is delicious, you don’t have to marinate the tofu. However, if you do want more flavors or need to meal prep, it tastes absolutely delicious if you have the time! I also have another tofu marinade recipe here. 

    🍴 Storage

    After cooling, you may refrigerate the tofu for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Add it to your meal prep, favorite dinners, or snack on it with my favorite peanut sauce.

    🍽 More Tofu Dishes

    • Maggi Masala Noodles with Vegetables and Tofu
    • Vegan Tofu Tacos with Peanut Sauce
    • Vegetable Masala Tofu Scramble
    • Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with Crispy Tofu

    If you thought this was one of the best tofu recipes you've ever tried, let me know in the comments below! I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Subscribe for my weekly emails at the bottom so you never miss a new recipe!

    📖 Recipe

    PRINT PIN
    5 from 8 votes

    Easy Tofu Recipe

    The best tofu recipe and only one you’ll need! This pan-fried tofu is vegan, easy, versatile, quick, and used with many of my tofu dishes when you're in a hurry. 
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 10 mins
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Shweta

    Ingredients

    • 1 16 oz package extra firm tofu
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sriracha optional

    Instructions

    • Press the tofu by wrapping it in an absorbent towel and placing something heavy on it to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). After the tofu is pressed, cube the tofu.
    • Heat a non-stick skillet and add oil on medium heat. Add the tofu. Sauté for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook until golden brown.
    • Add the soy sauce and maple syrup over the tofu. Then add the garlic powder, black pepper, and nutritional yeast and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Cook for additional time if you prefer yours more brown.
    • Remove from heat and serve with your favorite dish or as a snack.
    • Garnish options include black sesame seeds, scallions, or spicy sauce of your choice.

    Nutrition Info

    Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 593mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Let me know!Tag @sharethespice or tag #sharethespicerecipes!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tayler Ross

      June 27, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tofu for dinner last night as we had our vegan friends over, and it was a hit! Even my husband who isn't a tofu fan loved it!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Yay! So happy to hear this!

        Reply
    2. Toni

      June 27, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is so perfect! Very quick and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Andrea

      June 27, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      What fabulous flavors in this crispy and delicious tofu.

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Nathan

      June 27, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Tofu is sometimes a little intimidating to me but this recipe looks so simple and delicious, can't wait to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Used to be so intimidating to me as well. This is the perfect recipe to start with!

        Reply
    5. Janessa

      June 27, 2022 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      I've never attempted to make Tofu but this recipe looks like the perfect place to start!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:53 pm

        It is! I hope you enjoy it and the recipe is helpful!

        Reply
    6. Thomas K

      November 07, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      Tofu can be tricky for even the most seasoned chefs. Hats off to this chef for a quick, easy, and very tasty recipe!

      Reply
    7. Thomas K

      November 07, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      Tofu can be tricky for even the most seasoned chefs. Hats off to this chef for a quick, easy, and very tasty recipe!

      Reply
    8. Tiffany G

      November 07, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      Okay, I used to avoid tofu in restaurants, but this is much better than any restaurant I’ve had it at. Easy to make and the right texture. I’ve even tried it with different spices and still delicious.

      Reply
    9. Lynn F

      January 11, 2023 at 10:13 pm

      So fast, so easy, so incredibly good.

      Needed a quick fix, so I thought I’d give it a try. Both me and my spouse absolutely loved it.

      Thank you so much.

      Reply
    10. Shruti

      January 26, 2023 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and delicious! So versatile as well.

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind this blog. Share the Spice is a blog about vegetarian and vegan recipes that focus on healthy, flavorful meals. My goal is to show you how to make nourishing meals that are easy and full of flavor.

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