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    Home » Lunch

    Easy Tofu Recipe

    Published: May 14, 2022 · Modified: Jun 8, 2025 by Shweta with 41 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    The best tofu recipe and only one you’ll need! This pan-fried tofu is vegan, easy, versatile, quick, and used with many of my tofu dishes when you're in a hurry. 
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What is Tofu?
    • 📋 Ingredients
    • 📖  How to Cook Tofu
    • 💭 FAQ
    • 🍴 Storage
    • 🍽 More Tofu Dishes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐ Reviews
    tofu garnished with black sesame seeds

    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!
    Tofu Food photography image with chopsticks, served in wooden bowl

    📋 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!
    cooked tofu

    💭 FAQ

    Do I need a tofu press?

    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.

    Which tofu is the best?

    I prefer using extra firm tofu for this dish. 

    Do I need to marinate the tofu?

    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. 

    Can I air fry this tofu?

    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.

    tofu dish with chopsticks

    🍽 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.
    • Maggi Masala Noodles with Vegetables and Tofu
    • Vegan Tofu Tacos with Peanut Sauce
    • Vegetable Masala Tofu Scramble
    • Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with Crispy Tofu

    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

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.92 from 23 votes

    Easy Tofu Recipe

    The best tofu recipe and only one you’ll need! This pan-fried tofu is vegan, easy, versatile, quick, and used with many of my tofu dishes when you're in a hurry. 
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 20 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Shweta

    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

    Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 593mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Let me know!Tag @sharethespice or tag #sharethespicerecipes!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tayler Ross

      June 27, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Yay! So happy to hear this!

        Reply
    2. Toni

      June 27, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is so perfect! Very quick and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Andrea

      June 27, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      What fabulous flavors in this crispy and delicious tofu.

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Nathan

      June 27, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Tofu is sometimes a little intimidating to me but this recipe looks so simple and delicious, can't wait to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Used to be so intimidating to me as well. This is the perfect recipe to start with!

        Reply
        • Candace Bartells

          June 29, 2024 at 8:56 pm

          I'm sugar free.. starch free as in wheat oats.. eat green veggies the most. Can't use the maple syrup.

          Reply
    5. Janessa

      June 27, 2022 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      I've never attempted to make Tofu but this recipe looks like the perfect place to start!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        July 05, 2022 at 1:53 pm

        It is! I hope you enjoy it and the recipe is helpful!

        Reply
    6. Thomas K

      November 07, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      Tofu can be tricky for even the most seasoned chefs. Hats off to this chef for a quick, easy, and very tasty recipe!

      Reply
    7. Thomas K

      November 07, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      Tofu can be tricky for even the most seasoned chefs. Hats off to this chef for a quick, easy, and very tasty recipe!

      Reply
    8. Tiffany G

      November 07, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    9. Lynn F

      January 11, 2023 at 10:13 pm

      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.

      Reply
    10. Shruti

      January 26, 2023 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and delicious! So versatile as well.

      Reply
    11. James

      March 25, 2023 at 1:32 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        March 27, 2023 at 2:43 pm

        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 🙂

        Reply
    12. Eliza

      April 06, 2023 at 9:22 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    13. Savita

      April 06, 2023 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      The recipe turned out really delicious. Everyone loved it.

      Reply
    14. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      April 06, 2023 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious and easy way to make tofu. Love the maple syrup adding a touch of sweetness too.

      Reply
    15. Quynh

      April 06, 2023 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE fried tofu. This was so easy to make and the seasoning was very flavorful.

      Reply
    16. Kathleen

      April 06, 2023 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      Quick, simple with great flavor, this tofu makes a great appetizer or snack.

      Reply
    17. Stephanie

      April 09, 2023 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
    18. Dick Donovan

      September 20, 2023 at 3:43 pm

      I made this today as I am trying to eat more healthily. It turned out great. I'll certainly make it again! Thanks.

      Reply
    19. William

      January 29, 2024 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      I was lazy, so I mixed all the ingredients in a bowl while the tofu was cooking. It was a wonderful recipe. Delicious!

      Reply
    20. Maria

      February 18, 2024 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds good cannot wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Shweta

        February 20, 2024 at 9:09 am

        Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    21. Rebecca Lotsoff

      March 02, 2024 at 1:40 pm

      Can I serve cold? Or can I heat up
      Later? I’m making today. Thanks

      Reply
    22. Mark Gilchrist

      March 12, 2024 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      One of our new favorites!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        March 21, 2024 at 7:59 am

        Yay! So glad you love it!

        Reply
    23. Dina Gohel

      April 02, 2024 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      Tofu is a good source of protein. Nice recipe. Thanks Shweta.

      Reply
    24. Mark

      July 06, 2024 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      Best tofu ever!

      Reply
    25. Laura

      July 08, 2024 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      Very tasty!

      Reply
    26. Russ

      August 25, 2024 at 7:26 am

      A tablespoon of maple syrup is more than 4g of carbs. 12 to 13

      Reply
    27. Jani

      October 12, 2024 at 5:32 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this is good no faff or fuss so easy 😍

      Reply
    28. Annetta

      December 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this and added vegetables to the pan. Delicious. Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Shweta

        January 13, 2025 at 12:45 pm

        Thank you so much! Adding vegetables to this tofu dish is my favorite way to eat it. Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    29. Alicja

      March 28, 2025 at 1:58 pm

      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!

      Reply
    30. Simon Pouliot

      April 15, 2025 at 4:36 pm

      3 stars
      Don't call a recipe "simple" if it includes Nutritional yeast. 4 out of 5 people I asked didn't have any at home.

      Reply
    31. Sarah

      May 07, 2025 at 2:37 am

      This was delicious and so easy - thank you!

      Reply

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    Hey y’all, I'm Shweta!

    I’m the blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind this blog. Share the Spice is a blog about vegetarian and vegan recipes that focus on healthy, flavorful meals. My goal is to show you how to make nourishing meals that are easy and full of flavor.

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