Inspired by: @martieffe90
Are you tired of bland, rubbery tofu? Do you dream of perfectly crispy edges that elevate your plant-based meals? This easy vegan recipe is your answer! We'll show you how to transform humble tofu into a truly satisfying dish, with a secret tip from the abillion community that even appeared on MasterChef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your meal prep, this recipe solves the common problem of uninspired tofu, delivering a delightful crunch and rich flavor every time.
Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh take on tofu, you'll love how simple yet impactful this method is. Get ready to enjoy crispy, flavorful tofu that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Image Gallery
Experience the delicious transformation of tofu into a crispy, golden delight, perfectly paired with vibrant green broccoli and a rich soy glaze.
A vibrant display of fresh ingredients, ready to be transformed into a delicious vegan meal.
Golden-brown, perfectly crispy tofu pieces nestled amongst bright green broccoli florets, creating a tempting visual.
A close-up shot showcasing the enticing texture of the crispy tofu, ready to be enjoyed.
Ingredients
- 1 block (around 350-400g) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or cornflour
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or rapeseed oil)
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Sesame seeds or other seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and gently press out excess water. You can do this by wrapping it in a clean tea towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for at least 15-30 minutes. This step is crucial for crispiness!
- Cut and Coat: Once pressed, cut the tofu into desired shapes – cubes, triangles, or slabs work well. In a bowl, toss the tofu pieces with the cornstarch until evenly coated. This is the magic touch for those crispy edges!
- Heat Oil: Heat the cooking oil in a large non-stick frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry Tofu: Add the cornstarch-coated tofu to the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and gloriously crispy. Remove crispy tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the same pan (add a splash more oil if needed). Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine & Season: Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the tofu and broccoli are well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite seeds and serve immediately with rice, noodles, or as a protein-packed addition to salads.
Variations & Adaptations
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Different Veggies: Swap broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Sweet & Sour Twist: For a classic sweet and sour flavor, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave to your soy sauce mixture.
- Aromatic Boost: Enhance the flavor profile with grated ginger or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
- No-Fry Option: For a slightly healthier alternative, you can bake or air-fry the cornstarch-coated tofu until crispy. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Tips & Hacks for Crispy Tofu
Achieving perfectly crispy tofu is simpler than you think, especially with this acclaimed trick:
- The Cornflour Secret: As shared by members on abillion and seen on MasterChef, dabbed cornstarch or cornflour is the key to creating those desirable crispy edges, just like in your favorite sweet & sour recipes. It forms a thin, light coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Pressing is Essential: Don't skip pressing your tofu! Removing excess water allows the tofu to absorb flavors better and become much crispier. The drier the tofu, the crispier it will get.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook tofu in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan's temperature, leading to steamed, rather than crispy, tofu.
- High Heat & Patience: Use medium-high heat and resist the urge to flip the tofu too soon. Let it form a golden crust before turning.
Related Articles
Looking for more easy and delicious vegan recipes? Check out these inspiring articles on abillion:
- Discover how to make the perfect plant-based protein with our Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe.
- Explore another simple yet satisfying option with Quick & Easy Vegan Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry.
- Get inspired for your next meal with The Easiest BBQ Tofu Wraps and Homemade Vegan Mayo.
- Learn how to achieve the best texture with 3-Ingredient Sriracha Baked Tofu Fries Recipe.
We hope you enjoy this simple yet transformative crispy tofu recipe! We'd love to see your creations. Share your crispy tofu results on abillion and let us know what amazing dishes you paired it with!
