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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Vegetarian Recipes

    Updated: Mar 18, 2025 · Published: Sep 3, 2018 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Fry Tofu

    Jump to Recipe

    In just a few simple steps and about 15 minutes, you can learn how to fry tofu in a pan that is crispy, golden and delicious.

    Fried tofu on serving plate.

    Tofu is more accessible than ever before. This soy-based protein has exploded in popularity thanks to its unique texture, adaptable flavor, and vegetarian-friendliness.

    Crispy on the outside (without using cornstarch) and soft on the inside, fried tofu tastes great dipped in sauce or as an addition to salads, rice bowls or stir-fries (like in my kimchi tofu stir fry). I also use it in Korean tofu kimchi soup. It's like a blank palette for sauces like the simple but flavorful honey-soy sauce we are making here.

    Since fried tofu can be incorporated into many different meals, just as you would fried chicken, this is definitely a recipe to keep close at hand and I hope you enjoy it.

    With 5 ingredients and four easy steps, you will have delicious, crispy, golden tofu that's ready to eat.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Steps For How to Fry Tofu
    • Top Pro Tips
    • Storage & Reheating
    • FAQs for How to Fry Tofu in a Pan
    • More Stir Fries You Will Love
    • 📋Recipe

    Ingredients

    Firm tofu labeled with knife on cutting board.
    Honey soy marinade and black and white sesame seeds in small bowls - labeled.

    Prepare all of these ingredients before starting to cook:

    • tofu - Firm or extra firm (I prefer extra firm for stir frying so that it's less likely to crumble).
    • soy sauce - Soy sauce comes in two main types: light and dark. Light soy sauce is saltier with a thinner consistency, while dark soy sauce is aged longer, resulting in a slightly thicker texture and a more robust, sweet flavor. I use light in this recipe as it is ideal for a marinade and great for adding flavor to stir fries.
    • sesame oil - Be sure to pick up toasted sesame oil which is dark golden-brown in color.
    • black and white sesame seeds - To garnish and add a bit more crunch.

    *Check recipe card for full ingredient amounts.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Chef's Note: For an extra but optional step, you can reduce the moisture in the tofu brick to make it crispier and better able to absorb the marinade. Head here for tofu pressing steps.

    Steps For How to Fry Tofu

    Skewered tofu cubes on cutting board.

    Step #1. Cut the Tofu. Drain the tofu block and pat it dry. Slice it into cubes and insert them onto wooden skewers.

    Cubed tofu on cutting board with soy sauce mixture.

    Step #2. Coat the Tofu with Sauce. Mix the soy sauce and honey together in a small bowl. Coat the tofu pieces with the sauce/tofu marinade using a pastry brush.

    Skewered, cubed tofu in frying pan.

    Step #3. Fry the Tofu. Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu skewers, rotating until the tofu is golden brown on every side.

    Fried tofu on a stick.

    Step #4. Serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with rice and vegetables if desired. Serve the pan-fried tofu as a main dish or side.

    Top Pro Tips

    • Make sure to use firm or extra-firm tofu and have the pan nice and hot in order to achieve a golden, crispy crust with a more solid texture.
    • After placing the tofu cubes in the pan, resist the urge to touch them for a few minutes to allow a golden crust to form.

    Storage & Reheating

    • Fridge: Any leftover cooked tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Freezer: It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave, oven or pan.

    FAQs for How to Fry Tofu in a Pan

    Do you need to dry tofu before frying?

    Before frying tofu in most recipes, make sure to drain it well and pat it dry. This does help with flavor and crispiness because wet tofu doesn't soak up marinades or spices properly and can cause splattering in the pan.

    Can you fry tofu in oil?

    Frying tofu in hot oil gives it a delightful crispy outer layer, a rich flavor, and a beautiful golden hue to each piece.

    Should you marinate tofu before frying?

    This isn't a necessary step, but if you want to give the tofu more time to soak up the flavors of the marinade, you can marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

    What type of pan is best for frying tofu?

    Opt for a non-stick pan when cooking tofu to prevent sticking. Ensure the pan is coated with oil for better results.

    Fried tofu on serving plate.

    More Stir Fries You Will Love

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      Ground Beef Stir Fry
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      Bok Choy Stir Fry
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      Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry
    • Kimchi udon in a bowl with chop sticks.
      Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry

    If you tried this 📋 recipe tutorial for How to Fry Tofu in a Pan or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Fried tofu on serving plate.

    How to Fry Crispy Tofu

    Joss Dyckson
    In just a few simple steps, you can learn how to fry delicious tofu in a pan in about 15 minutes or less. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, fried tofu tastes great dipped in sauce or as an addition to salads, rice bowls or stir-fries.
    5 from 3 votes
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Total Time 13 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 127 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 14 ounces tofu - firm or extra firm - 1 package
    • ¼ cup soy sauce - I use light
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
    • black and white sesame seeds - to garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Drain the tofu block and pat it dry. Slice it into cubes and insert them onto wooden skewers.
      14 ounces tofu
      Skewered tofu cubes on cutting board.
    • Mix the soy sauce and honey together in a small bowl. Coat the tofu pieces with the sauce using a pastry brush.
      ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey
      Cubed tofu on cutting board with soy sauce mixture.
    • Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu skewers, rotating until the tofu is golden brown on every side.
      ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
      Skewered, cubed tofu in frying pan.
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
      Fried tofu on serving plate.

    Equipment

    • Wooden skewers
    • Skillet

    Notes

    • Top Tip: Make sure to use firm or extra-firm tofu and have the pan nice and hot in order to achieve a golden, crispy crust with a more solid texture.
    • Fridge Storage: Any leftover cooked tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Freezer Storage: It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
    • To Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave, oven or pan.
    • For Extra Crispy Tofu: For an extra but optional step, you can reduce the moisture in the tofu brick to make it crispier and better able to absorb the marinade. Head here for tofu pressing steps.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 814mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 2mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

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    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Joss says

      March 18, 2025 at 2:30 pm

      I love serving this tofu when I need a vegetarian option. The marinade is flavorful and the tofu comes out nice and golden!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

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