Easy Tofu Recipe

Shweta
by Shweta
4 people
20 min

-

The best quick and easy tofu recipe and only one you’ll need! This pan-fried tofu is vegan, versatile, flavorful and used with many of my tofu dishes when I’m in a hurry.

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 so obviously I made him write the ingredients down so I could test it and share it with you!


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.
  • Can be used as a meat alternative.
  • Can be cooked in SO MANY various ways!
📋 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


📖 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.
  • 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 more brown!
💭 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 it 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 or extra firm for this dish.

Do I need to marinate the tofu?

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 to! 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.

🍽 Other Recipes

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 loved this Easy Tofu Recipe, 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
Recipe details
  • 4  people
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 20 min
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Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz package extra firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 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.
Shweta
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Comments
  • Helene Kellachan Helene Kellachan on May 27, 2022

    How long should you leave the tofu wrapped in a towel to get the liquid out?

    I've never tried tofu before. But your recipe sounds delicious.

    • Ber28394011 Ber28394011 on May 27, 2022

      wrap in a double paper towel and place a heavy object on top. Leave for at least 30 minutes.

  • FrancieRunsLike A Duck FrancieRunsLike A Duck on Jun 02, 2022

    What does the addition of yeast due? I've only added when making bread.

    • V Smith V Smith on Jun 05, 2022

      Nutritional yeast is not the same as the yeast used in bread making. Nutritional yeast is a yellow powder that imparts a cheesy, savory flavor. My husband uses Bragg nutritional yeast on his salads and spaghetti.

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