Perfect Pan Fried Tofu (2024)

Are you a tofu fan? Over the past decade, this plant-based protein has won over our hearts. Why? Well, it’s great for weeknight meals, which is where this recipe comes in. And guess what?

Tofu is majorly delicious when prepared correctly. Douse it in a little smoked soy sauce and sesame oil and pan fry it until golden brown, and it’s positively irresistible! This perfect pan fried tofu is our go-to for easy dinners (along with our tofu scramble and baked tofu). Even our kids go crazy for it!

Ingredients for pan fried tofu

Tofu is soy milk that’s turned into curds (like in cheesemaking!) and pressed into blocks. It was invented in China and is used in many Asian cuisines from Chinese to Thai. On its own, it has no flavor at all. But combine it with a few simple flavorings and pow! It tastes savory and meaty all at once. Here’s what we’ve used for this pan fried tofu:

• Tofu, firm or extra firm: This is important! Avoid soft or silken tofu; it will not work in this recipe.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is our top cooking oil for tofu.
• Toasted sesame oil: A hint of this oil adds a nutty flavor to the tofu. Steer clear of regular sesame oil here: it has a neutral flavor and is intended for cooking.
• Smoked soy sauce or soy sauce: Smoked shoyu is becoming widely available; if you can find it’s 100% worth it! Otherwise, use soy sauce or tamari.

Another important item you’ll need is a non-stick pan for frying tofu. This is key so the tofu doesn’t stick to the pan when flipping it.

Step 1: Slice the tofu into cubes. Pat it dry with a towel.

Step 2: Add the olive oil to a non-stick pan, then the tofu cubes and a few pinches kosher salt. Apply medium heat and cook 5 to 6 minutes until one side is golden brown. Remove the heat to reduce spitting, then flip using chopsticks or tongs.

Step 3: Return the heat to medium-high and cook 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and drizzle with the sesame oil and soy sauce. Apply low heat and cook 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion if desired and serve.

Use smoked soy sauce (shoyu) if you can

Smoked soy sauce(or shoyu, the Japanese word for soy sauce) is popping up at mainstream grocery stores these days. Alex and I could not be happier! Years ago we found a bottle of smoked shoyu at a Japanese restaurant in Santa Fe and became obsessed. The intensely savory, smoky flavor isincrediblefor using in vegan recipes.

Because smoked shoyu was hard to find, we usually don’t call for it in our recipes: until now! If you can find it, a drizzle adds the perfect garnish. You can also order smoked soy sauce (shoyu) online.

How to serve fried tofu

Here’s the fun part! Alex and I love whipping up this pan fried tofu. It was actually inspired by a method Alex made up one weeknight and we loved it so much, we wrote down how to do it! It’s so easy to throw into a bowl with some veggies for an easy vegan dinner. Here’s how we’d serve it:

• With soba. Make quick soba noodles and serve it in a bowl, or try in this soba noodle bowl.
• With rice. Add white rice or fried rice.
• Add a veggie. Serve with roasted broccoli, sauteed broccoli, or fried broccoli.
• Top with zingy sauce. You must try it with spicy mayo or yum yum sauce.
• With a stir fry. Add it to a vegan stir fry to make it a meal!

Dietary notes

This pan fried tofu recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

What type of tofu is best for pan-frying?

Extra-firm or firm tofu are ideal for pan-frying. Softer varieties will crumble too easily.

Do I need to press the tofu?

Not for this recipe!

How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to use a non-stick pan for this recipe. Ensure your pan has a thin layer of oil and let the tofu sear undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.

How long does it take to pan-fry tofu?

Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of your tofu pieces. Generally, it takes 3-5 minutes per side for golden brown and crispy results.