Simple Pan Fried Tofu

Quick, simple & delicious pan fried tofu in under 15 minutes. This simple crispy pan fried tofu can be a quick main or added to a grain bowl or your favorite pasta dish. No tofu press required. This recipe is easy to prepare and ready in under 15 minutes.

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Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• How To Cut The Tofu
• Storage
• Serve Pan Fried Tofu With
• 📖 Recipe

Looking for more weeknight dinner recipes? Try our quick and easy to make Sticky Tofu and easy to make egg-less quiche recipes.

We know a lot of folks aren’t sure about how to even cook tofu or if it will taste like anything. Tofu is a great plant based protein and is a sponge for good flavor.

Ingredients

• Tofu - be sure to use firm or extra firm tofu.
• Frying oil - Use Avocado oil for higher temperature cooking; it has a higher smoking point.
• Seasonings - Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning (optional but adds good flavoring), Garlic Powder and Onion Powder.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Instructions

Step 1: Cut tofu and set aside (see cutting instructions below).
A little secret (don’t tell anyone lol) we actually don't press the tofu when we cook it on the stovetop. This crispy pan fried tofu is also prepared with cornstarch.

Step 2: On medium-high heat. Add avocado oil to a medium-size skillet.

Season Tofu

Step 3: Season cut tofu with Everything But The Bagel, Mushroom & Company seasoning , Garlic Powder and Onion Salt. (Can also substitute with your favorite seasoning)

Step 4: Place the tofu in the pan for 5 minutes and leave it. Cook in multiple batches being sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 5: Flip and cook side 2; for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and done. Since the pan is hot we find the second side doesn’t need as much time.⠀⠀⠀

How To Cut The Tofu

Step 1: Pour the water out of the package container and squeeze any excess off with the palm of our hands.

Step 2: We press out most of the water but nothing like when you use a tofu press which we use when preparing tofu for other methods. For us we like it crispy on the outside with a moist and tender interior.

Step 3: With the tofu on the long side cut vertically down the middle.

Step 4: Flip over and cut down the middle.

Step 5: Cut each section on the diagonal. You will have 8 pieces of tofu.

Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Leftovers will not be as crispy.

Serve Pan Fried Tofu With

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli
• Sweet & Spicy Brussels Sprouts 
• Spaghetti Squash

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a comment down below. Thanks!

📖 Recipe

These nutritional figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.

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If you give this gluten free recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag and us on Instagram at #thevgnway.

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