There are a lot of simple tofu recipes out there but I'm here to teach you how to make tofu like a pro. You either love tofu or you hate it. I love it! This recipe is actually my husband's go-to recipe and it's one of the best tofu recipes ever! So obviously I made him write the ingredients down so I could test it and share it with you! This is also not a fried tofu recipe. I prefer pan fried or even baked tofu over fried tofu. If you're looking for a meal with tofu, THIS is the tofu recipe you need.
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What is Tofu?
- It's basically curdled soy milk made into a solid block. I like to compare it to the milk version of paneer.
- It's a great source of vegan protein.
- A great source of iron and calcium.
- A great meat alternative.
- Can be cooked in SO MANY various ways!
📋 Ingredients
- Tofu. I recommend using any super firm or firm tofu. It's my basic tofu recipe that I love using with the majority of my dishes. Tofu adds a great amount of protein to the dish. My favorite brand is Nasoya tofu which you can buy at most grocery stores. I look for non-GMO tofu and super firm or firm for these types of dishes.
- Wet Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Maple syrup
- Optional: Sriracha
- Dry Ingredients
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Nutritional yeast. Also known as "nooch" by fellow vegans, a good source of complete protein, with 5g per serving, and an excellent source of B vitamins. It also makes for a great vegan “parmesan cheese” alternative. It comes in different flavors but I generally buy the original one.
📖 How to Cook Tofu
- Press the tofu. Wrap the tofu in an absorbent towel and placing something heavy on it to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). After the tofu is pressed, cube the tofu.
- Cook the tofu. Heat a non-stick skillet and add oil on medium heat. Add the tofu. Sauté for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook until golden brown and becomes slightly crispy tofu.
- Add your flavors! Add the liquid ingredients over the tofu. Then, add the dry ingredients and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Cook for additional time if you prefer yours browner!
💭 FAQ
No. Tofu presses are helpful and functional but I don’t have one and I’m perfectly okay with that. Some claim that they’re life changing-which I believe may be true, but right now I’m perfectly fine using my towels and heavy Ikea cutting board to press my tofu.
I prefer using extra firm tofu for this dish.
Although marinated tofu is delicious, you don’t have to marinate the tofu. However, if you do want more flavors or need to meal prep, this tofu recipe tastes absolutely delicious if you have the time! I also have another tofu marinade recipe here.
If you air fry this, I recommend marinating the tofu first, then placing it in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and flip every 5 minutes until golden brown on each side.
🍴 Storage
After cooling, you may refrigerate the tofu for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Add it to your meal prep, favorite dinners, or snack on it with my favorite peanut sauce.
🍽 More Tofu Dishes
- Try this Tofu Poke Bowl with this easy tofu recipe when you don't want to go through the effort of making spicy tofu!
- This is my favorite tofu to make with Maggi Masala Noodles and these Vegan Tofu Tacos with Peanut Sauce.
- Serve this tofu recipe with Garlic Chutney for a bit of spice and a fusion dish.
If you thought this was one of the best tofu recipes you've ever tried, let me know in the comments below! I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Subscribe for my weekly emails at the bottom so you never miss a new recipe!
📖 Recipe
Easy Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon sriracha, optional
Instructions
- Press the tofu by wrapping it in an absorbent towel and placing something heavy on it to remove excess water (or use a tofu press). After the tofu is pressed, cube the tofu.
- Heat a non-stick skillet and add oil on medium heat. Add the tofu. Sauté for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook until golden brown.
- Add the soy sauce and maple syrup over the tofu. Then add the garlic powder, black pepper, and nutritional yeast and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Cook for additional time if you prefer yours more brown.
- Remove from heat and serve with your favorite dish or as a snack.
- Garnish options include black sesame seeds, scallions, or spicy sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Info
Tayler Ross
I made this tofu for dinner last night as we had our vegan friends over, and it was a hit! Even my husband who isn't a tofu fan loved it!
Shweta
Yay! So happy to hear this!
Toni
This is so perfect! Very quick and easy to make!
Shweta
Thank you!
Andrea
What fabulous flavors in this crispy and delicious tofu.
Shweta
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Nathan
Tofu is sometimes a little intimidating to me but this recipe looks so simple and delicious, can't wait to give it a try!
Shweta
Used to be so intimidating to me as well. This is the perfect recipe to start with!
Candace Bartells
I'm sugar free.. starch free as in wheat oats.. eat green veggies the most. Can't use the maple syrup.
Janessa
I've never attempted to make Tofu but this recipe looks like the perfect place to start!
Shweta
It is! I hope you enjoy it and the recipe is helpful!
Thomas K
Tofu can be tricky for even the most seasoned chefs. Hats off to this chef for a quick, easy, and very tasty recipe!
Thomas K
Tofu can be tricky for even the most seasoned chefs. Hats off to this chef for a quick, easy, and very tasty recipe!
Tiffany G
Okay, I used to avoid tofu in restaurants, but this is much better than any restaurant I’ve had it at. Easy to make and the right texture. I’ve even tried it with different spices and still delicious.
Lynn F
So fast, so easy, so incredibly good.
Needed a quick fix, so I thought I’d give it a try. Both me and my spouse absolutely loved it.
Thank you so much.
Shruti
This was so easy and delicious! So versatile as well.
James
I’ve made this several times and it’s my favorite! But I don’t know how much of the things you listed to add? How much maple syrup, etc.? Please advise! Thanks!
Shweta
Thank you so much! If you click on the purple tab that says "jump to recipe" in the paragraph after the title, it will take you there. You can also scroll to the bottom where the recipe card is posted 🙂
Eliza
The flavors in this pan fried tofu are absolutely amazing! I'll be returning to this recipe often to add tofu to so many dishes.
Savita
The recipe turned out really delicious. Everyone loved it.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
This is such a delicious and easy way to make tofu. Love the maple syrup adding a touch of sweetness too.
Quynh
I LOVE fried tofu. This was so easy to make and the seasoning was very flavorful.
Kathleen
Quick, simple with great flavor, this tofu makes a great appetizer or snack.
Stephanie
I followed this recipe as written, minus the nutritional yeast, I didn’t have that on hand, and it was SO good!!!! Easy to make and delicious flavors! Served with rice and broccoli. Will be making again for sure!!
Dick Donovan
I made this today as I am trying to eat more healthily. It turned out great. I'll certainly make it again! Thanks.
William
I was lazy, so I mixed all the ingredients in a bowl while the tofu was cooking. It was a wonderful recipe. Delicious!
Maria
Sounds good cannot wait to try it.
Shweta
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy!
Rebecca Lotsoff
Can I serve cold? Or can I heat up
Later? I’m making today. Thanks
Mark Gilchrist
One of our new favorites!
Shweta
Yay! So glad you love it!
Dina Gohel
Tofu is a good source of protein. Nice recipe. Thanks Shweta.
Mark
Best tofu ever!
Laura
Very tasty!
Russ
A tablespoon of maple syrup is more than 4g of carbs. 12 to 13
Jani
Wow, this is good no faff or fuss so easy 😍
Annetta
I just made this and added vegetables to the pan. Delicious. Thank you!!!
Shweta
Thank you so much! Adding vegetables to this tofu dish is my favorite way to eat it. Glad you enjoyed it!
Alicja
I had tofu at home and wanted to make a quick healthy meat free lunch - this was delicious! And I had all the ingredients at home. Black pepper adds a bit of unexpected spice. Recommend!
Simon Pouliot
Don't call a recipe "simple" if it includes Nutritional yeast. 4 out of 5 people I asked didn't have any at home.
Sarah
This was delicious and so easy - thank you!
Fee McV
Quick and tasty. The nutritional yeast may be the magic ingredient for texture.