If you love easy dinners, then this crispy tofu coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. This Pan-Fried Tofu recipe with Dark Sweet Soy Sauce is my family's favorite way to enjoy tofu, and I have found that even the tofu skeptics will love it!
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❤️ Why you'll love it
Plant-based protein: tofu, also known as bean curd, is a great source of plant-based protein.
Easy recipe: this pan fry tofu recipe is easy to make and is a delicious way to make tofu for the tofu fan.
Simple ingredients: just a few simple ingredients are needed to make the sweet and spicy sauce that coats the tofu.
🥘 Ingredients
Extra firm tofu block: you want to use a tofu that has a firm texture. I prefer extra-firm tofu, but just firm tofu would work.
Dark soy sauce: this is a Chinese soy sauce that is thicker than regular soy sauce due to the processing method.
Honey: to sweeten and balance out flavor.
Rice vinegar: adds acid to the sauce to assist in balancing out the flavors.
Sambal oelek: this is a ground fresh chili paste used often in asian recipes and adds spicy heat to a dish. Use as much or little as you wish to get the desired heat level.
Olive oil
Sesame oil
Garlic cloves
Jalapeno pepper
Red bell pepper
Green onions: for garnish
Sesame seeds: for garnish
🔪 How to make pan-fried tofu
- In small bowl combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste using a fork or hand whisk. Set aside.
- Cut the drained tofu into desired shape. I like to cut into triangles by cutting the brick in half, then cutting each half into square pieces. Cut each square piece diagonally for a triangle.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until hot. Add oil to coat the surface of the hot skillet and add place tofu pieces in hot oil in a single layer. Turn burner down to medium-high heat and cook tofu on each side for 2-3 minutes, until tofu is crispy and golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel.
- Drain all but 1 tablespoon of hot oil from the skillet and return to medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant about 15-30 seconds.
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 seconds. Sauce will thicken as it simmer. Place pieces of tofu into sauce mixture and toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh chili and green onion slices.
🥄 Equipment
Small bowl
Cast iron skillet: I like how even the heat is when using cast iron, as well as how well the pan holds the heat. A regular large skillet can be used if you don't have cast iron.
Tofu press: or paper towels and heavy plates to squeeze the excess water from the tofu.
Cutting board
Sharp knife
🥫Storage
Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat: warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
📖 Variations
- Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce or peanut sauce for the sweet and spicy dark tofu sauce.
💭 Tips
- To get the best crispy pan-fried tofu, be sure to press tofu to remove any excess water. You can use a tofu press, or place tofu between paper towels and sit a heavy object on top of the tofu and let sit for 30 minutes, changing paper towels halfway through, if needed.
- For extra crispy tofu, dip tofu pieces in a small amount of potato starch before frying.
- Tofu slices should release themselves from the bottom of the pan when they are ready to flip.
🙋 FAQ's
Silken tofu has a soft consistency and it falls apart easily and usually comes in shelf stable containers. It is best for making smoothies or puddings. Regular tofu can be purchased from soft tofu to extra-firm tofu has a much firmer consistency than silken tofu.
📚 Tofu Recipes
Mom's Tofu Scramble can be made with soft or firm tofu, and it is a great recipe for those who are looking to replace eggs in their diet.
These Tofu Burgers are one of my family favorites!
Marinated Tofu Salad makes a delicious portable lunch!
If you are looking for a bowlful of flavor, then you need to make this delicious Coconut Curry Tofu Bowl.
Red and White Cauliflower Bake is a delicious vegan casserole the whole family will love.
🍽 Serve with...
Serve pan-fried tofu with a bowl of rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.
🏫 The last word
There are different ways to cut the tofu, you can cut it into triangles like I do, or into tofu cubes that are square or rectangular. Feel free to cut the tofu into any shape you desire, however, be sure the pieces are no thicker than ½ inch thick.
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📖 Recipe
Pan-fried Tofu with Dark Sweet Soy Sauce
Equipment
- Tofu press (or paper towels and heavy plates)
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Ingredients
- 14 ounces extra firm tofu , pressed and cut into small triangular pieces
- 1½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper , diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper slices
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 green onion , sliced
Instructions
- In small bowl combine the soy sauce, hot honey, and rice vinegar using a fork or hand whisk. Set aside.
- Cut the drained tofu into desired shape. I like to cut into triangles by cutting the brick in half, then cutting each half into square pieces. Cut each square piece diagonally for a triangle.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon oil to coat the surface of the hot skillet and add place tofu pieces in hot oil in a single layer.
- Turn burner down to medium-high heat and cook tofu on each side for 2-3 minutes, until tofu is crispy and golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel.
- Add ½ tablespoon oil to the hot skillet. Add the bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic. Cook until fragrant about 30 seconds.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 seconds. Sauce will thicken as it simmers.
- Place pieces of tofu into sauce mixture and toss to coat. Garnish with green onion slices.
Jay says
wow...sounds utterly delicious..
happy following you..;)
check out mine sometime.
Tasty Appetite
Nutmeg Nanny says
I really like tofu. Especially when it's pan fried 🙂
Gera@SweetsFoodsBlog says
Really I don't eat tofu often but your version fried with a sweet soy sauce can be very tempting. Need to try this yummy option 🙂
Cheers,
Gera
teresa says
i really need to try tofu again because i just haven't quite found that love for it yet. but i love the way you've prepared this!
Coleens Recipes says
I agree with Claudia, I've NEVER tasted tofu, yours looks excellent.
claudia @Whats Cookin says
Have never tried tofu, not one that has interested me... I think maybe its time
Shelby says
Mads, I would go with extra firm for best results .
Mads says
Yum! I love fried Asian-inspired tofu! I might try this one too. I have everything on hand except the tofu. Does the firm tofu make any difference?