
Crispy Tofu Recipe for the Non-Tofu Lover
This is tofu for the tofu haters. Trust me, I was one.
I’ve been turned off by tofu’s spongy, almost squishy texture for years. After giving up meat and poultry a few years ago I so wanted to enjoy tofu for added variety in my diet. But, alas I couldn’t get over the darn malleable texture.
Then I discovered that tofu could get nice and crispy , and yes delicious.
I thank this impromptu crispy tofu recipe for making my mouth happy and getting me over my fear.
I found soba noodles to be a perfect pairing with the tofu, though brown rice would work well too. To bulk up the nutritional value I added sauteed green beans.
Crispy Tofu Recipe:
This Crispy Tofu recipe serves 2.
Ingredients:
- Extra firm tofu
- Organic green beans, leeks or kale (or whatever vegetables prefer – greens work well)
- 4 oz soba noodles
- 1 clove of garlic
Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp mustard ( I like spicy brown)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Method:
- Prepare your tofu by draining between two cloths (or paper towels.) Don’t use a good cloth as the tofu will realease a lot of water. Press down on tofu for a few minutes.
- Mix marinade ingredients in a big bowl, use a whisk to combine. Sprinkle with pepper and salt (though it may be salty enough from the soy) to taste.
- Cut tofu into squares or triangles. Pour marinade over tofu using a reusable container, and let sit for about 15 minutes. (Longer is fine – even overnight works – the flavors will just get stronger.)
- Prepare soba noodles according to package
- Heat a cast iron pan or wok wiith 1 tsbp olive oil or cooking spray and one clove of garlic – minced. Place tofu in pan for 15 minutes at medium heat, rotating half way through. Throw in your vegetables after about 5 minutes.
- Hint: I turn the heat up very high for the last minute of cooking to get the tofu super crispy
- Remove from heat and serve over soba noodles. Optional: 1 tsp of earth balance melted into soba noodles
Eat up! Enjoy the crispy tofu recipe & share your secret for former haters.
Good recipe for Friday’s during Lent. Thanks Beth!
I would like to try this recipe. In the marinade, ¼ cup water is listed twice. Would you kindly double-check ingredients please?
Thanks!
Hi Ellen, Sorry for the oversight! It’s updated now 🙂 Hope you like it!
Beth
Made it, loved it! Only change I made was tamari cause I was without soy
Glad to hear Jacyln! I have tofu at home and am going to try asap!
made this last night it was delicious. I’ll be having leftovers for lunch today!
Glad to hear, these leftovers are pretty delish! Stay tuned for more easy recipes to come 🙂
Yum! Love the flavours in your marinade, I can imagine that would get nice and crispy.
It might be worth investigating pressing your tofu for added firmness. I just wrap the tofu in a couple of tea towels and then place it under a heavy book for a couple hours, it has a much better take up of the marinade and when cooked it takes on a really meaty texture.
I can’t believe it. I used to loathe tofu, but this was so good
Crispy Tofu is a great dish to try if you’ve never had tofu before. It tastes great, and if you cook it right with right arrange of flavors, it tastes just like chicken. I’d also recommend using a tofu press like the one from TofuXpress to drain the tofu of water. Worked like a charm.
I love all this Tofu love! I have yet to try it but readers, feel free to tell us what other Tofu recipes have worked for you!
Beth, I am the ultimate tofu hater! But this may be worth testing on my picky taste buds 🙂