The vegan world simply wouldn’t be complete without tofu. From vegan tofu scramble to homemade vegan sushi, this tasty plant protein is the epitome of versatility! You can also enjoy it right out of the package, but sometimes, it just needs that extra something.
One of our favorite ways to prepare tofu is to coat it in cornstarch and bake it the oven. The result is wonderfully crispy tofu that we simply can’t get enough of. After all, the finished product works well in a wide variety of dishes, including rice bowls, tacos, and salads. You can even toss crispy tofu with your favorite sauce and enjoy it as a snack.
While there are several ways to make crispy tofu, we’ll focus on the baking method in the following recipe. Compared to frying, baking tofu is healthier because it generally requires less oil.
To top things off, all it takes is five simple ingredients. Read on to learn how to make crispy tofu.
First, you’ll need one package of extra-firm tofu, oil of your choice, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure to drain the tofu completely. You can also use flour in place of cornstarch, but it won’t get as crispy. So, we recommend using cornstarch!
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using the tofu for a sandwich, like a vegan BLT, feel free to cut the tofu into slabs instead. You can even cut the tofu into tiny pieces to make salad crumbles.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Wrap the tofu in a clean rag or paper towel. If you’re using paper towels, you’ll likely need several sheets. Remember, this step is extremely important. Tofu can hold a lot of liquid, so it’s essential to press it as well as possible. Otherwise, the finished product may end up a bit soggy.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Place a few heavy items on top. Canned goods, books, or your cast iron pan work well. Let sit for at least 30 to 45 minutes. The longer you press the tofu, the better.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
When the tofu is ready, pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tofu in a bowl or on a plate. Drizzle oil and gently toss. For this recipe, we used light-tasting olive oil.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, dried oregano, or paprika. Anything goes when it comes to homemade crispy tofu.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Carefully roll the tofu in the cornstarch mixture until each side is lightly coated.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Place the tofu on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35 minutes or until light brown and crispy, flipping once halfway through.
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
The tofu is ready once it’s golden brown and sizzling. How easy was that? The possibilities are endless from here. Toss it in a salad, add it to a rice bowl, or make vegan tacos. You can even just eat it by the handful… we won’t judge!
Photo: Kirsten Nunez
Have you ever made crispy tofu before? What’s your favorite tofu recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
How to Make Crispy Tofu
Ingredients
- 12 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 to 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Wrap in a paper towel or clean rag and add a heavy object on top. Let sit for 30 to 45 minutes or until the liquid is completely pressed out of the tofu.
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle the oil on the tofu and carefully toss until evenly coated.
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and spices of your choice. Gently roll the tofu in the cornstarch mixture until completely coated.
- Place the tofu on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35 minutes until light golden brown, flipping once halfway.
Do you have a recipe that is oil free and cooked in an Air Fryer?