How to Make Crispy Tofu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crispy tofu is a delicious and versatile plant-based protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make at home, and with a few simple tips, you can achieve perfect crispy tofu every time.

Ingredients

* 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed * 2 tablespoons cornstarch * 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional) * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) * Salt and pepper to taste * Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Press the tofu. This is an important step to remove excess moisture from the tofu, which will help it to crisp up. You can use a tofu press, or simply wrap the tofu in a few layers of paper towels and place it on a plate. Place another plate on top and weigh it down with something heavy, such as a can of beans or a heavy skillet. Let the tofu press for at least 30 minutes. 2. Cut the tofu. Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes. 3. Make the coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, nutritional yeast (if using), smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. 4. Coat the tofu. Add the tofu cubes to the coating and toss to coat evenly. 5. Fry the tofu. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Once the oil is shimmering, add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. 6. Serve. Serve the crispy tofu immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or seasonings.

Tips for Crispy Tofu

* Use firm or extra-firm tofu. This type of tofu has a higher protein content and less moisture, which will help it to crisp up better. * Press the tofu well. This is the most important step for getting crispy tofu. If the tofu is not pressed properly, it will be too moist and will not crisp up. * Coat the tofu evenly. Make sure that all of the tofu cubes are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture. This will help them to crisp up evenly. * Fry the tofu in hot oil. The oil should be shimmering before you add the tofu. This will help to create a crispy crust. * Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help the tofu to crisp up evenly. * Serve immediately. Crispy tofu is best served immediately. If it sits for too long, it will start to soften.

Conclusion

Crispy tofu is a delicious and versatile plant-based protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make at home, and with a few simple tips, you can achieve perfect crispy tofu every time.