Go Back

Crispy Stir-Fry Tofu

This dish features golden, crunchy tofu with a tender interior, achieved through careful pressing, marinating, and coating with cornstarch before frying. The crispy tofu is stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and aromatics, creating a flavorful, texturally satisfying dish with a beautiful contrast between the crisp crust and fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu pressed overnight for best texture
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce for marinade
  • 1 tsp sesame oil for marinade
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch for coating
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil high-smoke point like canola or peanut
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 cup greens such as spinach or bok choy
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for stir-fry
  • 1 tsp sesame oil for finishing

Equipment

  • Large non-stick or cast-iron pan
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Wrap the tofu in paper towels, place a weight on top, and press for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a small bowl, toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil. Let them marinate for 10 minutes to absorb flavor and help with browning.
  3. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and lightly coat each tofu cube, shaking off any excess. This thin layer of cornstarch will create a crispy crust when fried.
  4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of high-smoke-point oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and starts to crackle slightly.
  5. Carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown on the bottom.
  6. Gently turn the tofu with a spatula to brown all sides evenly, about 4-5 minutes total. The tofu should be deep golden and crispy on the outside.
  7. Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate and let rest for 2 minutes to set the crust.
  8. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the sliced bell peppers and greens for 2-3 minutes until they are bright, slightly tender, and still crisp.
  9. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
  10. Return the crispy tofu to the pan. Drizzle with soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil, tossing gently to combine all ingredients and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  11. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and finish with a light drizzle of sesame oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

Pressing tofu thoroughly and coating with cornstarch are key to achieving that satisfying crunch. Resting the tofu after frying helps set the crust, ensuring it stays crispy through stir-frying.