Deep fried tofu is a versatile dish beloved across many cuisines. It’s a favourite among vegans, vegetarians, and even meat lovers for its crispy texture and ability to take on bold flavours. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or protein-packed centrepiece, deep fried tofu is a must-have on the menu. Here we’ll provide everything you need to create the perfect crispy deep fried tofu, including tips for preparation, frying techniques, and a foolproof recipe.
Choosing the Right Tofu
The first step to mastering tofu deep fry dishes is selecting the right type of tofu. For crispy deep fried tofu, firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal. These varieties hold their shape during frying and offer the best balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior.
Avoid using silken or soft tofu, as their high moisture content can lead to splattering and a mushy texture. Firm tofu ensures that your deep fried tofu is both satisfying and structurally sound.
Importance of Quality Oil
The choice of oil significantly impacts the success of any tofu deep fry. Frymax’s 100% natural, sustainable palm oil is perfect for achieving a crisp, golden finish. With its high smoke point and clean, deodorised flavour, Frymax allows the delicate taste of tofu to shine while delivering consistent results every time.
Frymax’s sustainable practices and additive-free formula also make it a healthier, eco-friendly choice. Its long-lasting performance means less waste, making it an excellent option for both professional kitchens and home cooks.
Preparing the Tofu
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving crispy deep fried tofu. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Tofu
Remove excess moisture by pressing the tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, then place a heavy object on top for 15–30 minutes. This step ensures the tofu doesn’t splatter during frying and helps it achieve a crispy texture.
Step 2: Cut into Even Pieces
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, strips, or triangles. Uniform pieces ensure even frying.
Step 3: Season the Tofu
Lightly season the tofu with salt, pepper, or spices of your choice. This adds a subtle base flavour before coating or frying.
Coatings and Batter Ideas
The secret to truly crispy deep fried tofu lies in the coating. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:
– Cornstarch or Potato Starch
Toss tofu pieces in cornstarch or potato starch for a light, crispy coating. Add garlic powder, paprika, or chilli flakes to the starch for extra flavour.
– Panko Crumbs
For an ultra-crunchy texture, dip the tofu in a flour-and-water slurry, then roll in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
– Tempura Batter
Whisk up a tempura batter with flour, ice-cold water, and a pinch of baking soda for a light and airy crust.
These coatings can be customised with spices, herbs, or even shredded coconut for unique flavours.
How to Deep Fry Tofu
Achieving perfect tofu deep fry results requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for crispy deep fried tofu every time:
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Use Frymax oil, heating it to a consistent 180°C. The high smoke point ensures the tofu cooks evenly without absorbing excess oil.
Step 2: Test the Oil
Drop a small piece of tofu or batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Step 3: Fry in Batches
Fry a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy tofu.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Fry the tofu for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Deep Fried Tofu Recipe
Recipe Information:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: – 6 pieces
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving: 250 kcal
- Protein per serving: 8g
- Fat per serving: 15g
- Carbohydrates per serving: 12g
Ingredients:
- 400g firm tofu (pressed)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying (Frymax palm oil recommended)
Equipment:
- Deep fryer or deep pan
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Deep Fried Tofu
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Tofu
Firm tofu is the best choice for deep frying because of its dense texture. Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Place it between two plates and add a weight on top, letting it sit for 15-20 minutes. This step ensures the tofu fries evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.
Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, triangles, or strips, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. The cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating while the seasonings enhance the flavour.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour Frymax sustainable palm oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, ensuring there’s enough to fully submerge the tofu. Heat the oil to 180°C. Using Frymax ensures the tofu cooks evenly, remains crisp, and absorbs minimal oil.
Step 4: Coat the Tofu
Lightly toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess coating before frying.
Step 5: Fry the Tofu
Carefully lower the tofu into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the tofu midway if necessary for even frying.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Deep fried tofu is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Tofu Nuggets
Serve crispy deep fried tofu as bite-sized nuggets with sweet chilli sauce, garlic mayo, or barbecue dip.
Asian-Inspired Salads
Add deep fried tofu to a salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing.
Rice Bowls
Pair crispy tofu with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, and teriyaki sauce for a hearty meal.
Tacos
Use deep fried tofu as a meat alternative in tacos, topping with salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Safety and Oil Maintenance
Deep frying requires careful handling to ensure safety and maintain oil quality:
Avoid Water Contact
Make sure tofu is thoroughly dried before frying to prevent oil splatter.
Use a Thermometer
Monitor oil temperature to maintain the ideal frying conditions.
Reuse Oil Responsibly
Strain Frymax oil after each use to remove food particles, then store it in a clean container for future frying. Frymax’s long-lasting formula ensures multiple uses without compromising flavour.
Mastering Deep Fried Tofu
Deep fried tofu is a culinary staple that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. With Frymax’s premium sustainable palm oil, you can create tofu dishes that are crispy, flavourful, and consistently delicious. Cooking at home? Frymax ensures every tofu deep fry is a success.
For more information contact Frymax or become a Frymax member to gain access to exclusive content, expert frying advice and the chance to enter our fantastic competitions.
These coatings can be customised with various spices, herbs, or even shredded coconut for added flavour and texture.
