FAQs
The best way to get your tofu nice and crisp, without the need for any flours or coatings or frying, is to just bake in a hot oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on brand. It almost dehydrates the tofu a bit making the outside nice and firm.
Why is my baked tofu not crispy? ›
2) Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Water-logged tofu never gets super crispy. The key here is to slice the tofu into pieces before pressing it.
What is a substitute for cornstarch in crispy tofu? ›
Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.
Is cornstarch or flour better for tofu? ›
Swap Cornstarch for Flour
If you want a crispy outer coating for your tofu, flour can be a great substitute for cornstarch. Simply coat the tofu cubes or slices with a dusting of all-purpose flour before frying. The flour helps create a light and crispy texture while ensuring the tofu stays tender on the inside.
What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›
Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze. But having one isn't necessary.
What not to mix with tofu? ›
What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.
Why is my baked tofu rubbery? ›
And then you had to bake it and then flip it. And when it came out, it was absolutely perfect, and I absolutely loved it. Why does tofu get rubbery? Because it was probably overcooked, it was probably exposed to too much heat.
How do you get the best tofu texture? ›
Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.
What type of tofu is best for baking? ›
While medium-firm tofu is rougher than soft, it still has a decent amount of moisture and will break up during vigorous cooking. This texture is great for baking, braising and boiling.
Why use cornstarch instead of flour? ›
This is because cornstarch is composed only of starch, while all-purpose flour contains starch, fiber, and protein. One of these proteins is gluten, which helps give bread its elasticity and chew. Because cornstarch doesn't contain gluten, it is gluten free and safe for people with celiac disease.
Drizzle with olive oil, and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle evenly with cornstarch, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Gently toss until the tofu is evenly coated.
Do you have to drain tofu before baking? ›
Buy Extra Firm: For grilling or baking, just buy extra firm tofu. Extra firm tofu is tofu that has already been pressed so that it's dense and packed together. You can blot it dry or just leave it out to drain on a layer of paper towels before using. Pressing it again isn't necessary at all.
What can I add to tofu to make it taste better? ›
Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.
How to fix soggy tofu? ›
The coating will just get soggy, and you'll end up with fried mush. Tofu has a porous surface and releases water before the coating gets crispy, so toss the tofu in a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Shake the excess off and then fry in oil for a crispy outside and tender inside.
How to dry out tofu in the oven? ›
Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35.
How do you cook tofu so it's not mushy? ›
Drain and pressing out excess water: Tofu that's been packed in water retains a lot of moisture, even when it's been drained and patted dry. Getting that extra liquid out will give you firmer tofu that will soak up the flavors of marinades and hold up better in the skillet or on the grill.
How do you know when tofu is done baking? ›
Toss in the arrowroot starch: Spread the tofu onto the baking sheet, and toss in the arrowroot starch. Bake: Bake the tofu for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy, flipping the pieces of tofu about halfway through the cooking time. Serve: Place the tofu into a serving bowl, or use in a recipe as desired.