Best Easy Crispy Tofu with Salt and Pepper Recipe

Cubes of firm tofu are fried until golden and tossed with salt, white pepper, and fried garlic. This vegetarian, high protein appetizer is a crowd-pleasing family snack with addictive crunch.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 200 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #crowd-pleaser #easy appetizer
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • firm tofu 16 oz
  • cornstarch 0.5 cup
  • vegetable oil 0.5 cup
  • garlic 4 cloves
  • scallions 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 0.75 tsp
  • white pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 10 g 20%
Protein 14 g 28%
Fat 11 g 50%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    1. Drain and pat dry the firm tofu. Cut into 1-inch cubes and blot excess moisture with paper towels for crispier frying.

  2. 2

    2. Coat each tofu cube evenly with cornstarch, ensuring all sides are covered for maximum crunch.

  3. 3

    3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Fry tofu cubes in batches, turning occasionally, for 3–4 minutes per batch, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  4. 4

    4. Thinly slice garlic cloves. Lower oil to medium heat and fry garlic until lightly golden, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove and drain.

  5. 5

    5. Place fried tofu in a large bowl. Toss immediately with salt, white pepper, fried garlic, and chopped scallions, and serve hot for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Firm tofu is the essential ingredient in this dish, providing a mild flavor and a substantial, satisfying bite. The cornstarch coating and the frying technique maximize its signature crunch, making tofu the star that defines both taste and texture.
Q. How do I achieve perfectly crispy tofu without burning?
To achieve the crunch, coat the tofu cubes thoroughly in cornstarch and ensure the oil is hot—around 350°F—before frying. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn the cubes occasionally and remove them once golden brown. This prevents soggy spots and burning.
Q. What keeps the tofu crunchy after frying?
Patting the tofu dry before coating, frying at the right temperature, and tossing it with salt and pepper right after frying all help retain crunch. Avoid covering the tofu or letting it sit too long after tossing, and serve immediately for best texture.
Q. How many calories are in each serving, and what is the protein-to-carb ratio?
Each 120g serving contains about 200 kcal, with protein contributing 28% and carbs 20% of the total calories. This means a single serving delivers 14g protein and 10g carbs, making it a protein-rich, well-balanced vegetarian snack.
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