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Learn how to make the best Crispy Tofu with this easy and yummy recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, this Tofu is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free.
Tofu: some people love it, some people hate it. I, however, believe that the people who hate it just haven’t had it prepared in the right way.
But no worries, friends – what if I told you that you could have the best, easiest, and crispiest Tofu EVER…with only 3 ingredients total and super simple steps?! Well, I’m tellin’ ya. This crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Tofu is about to change. your. life. And become a regular staple in your recipe rotation. 😉
Tofu can be bland, and it can be mushy – but it all comes down to the way you prepare it. As a vegetarian since birth, I’ve had more than my fair share of this soy-based protein. I’ve experimented with countless different ways to prepare it, and this method is by far my favorite.
I’ve included my basic recipe for Crispy Tofu in a few other recipes on this blog, but wanted to make a complete run-down of the steps + method for you all, including my tips and tricks. So, shall we?
Step One: Press and Cube your Tofu
You’ll need one 14 oz. block of Extra Firm Tofu for this recipe. Firm will work too, in a pinch. Remove the Tofu from it’s package and drain any extra liquid off, then gently press as much liquid out of it as possible. I like to use a Tofu Press, but you can also use a couple of towels and a heavy object if you don’t have one.
Then, cube your Tofu – I like to cut the thickness of the block in half, then cut each half into 16 “cubes.” These are the perfect bite-sized pieces for your Crispy Tofu!
Step Two: Toss with Tamari, then Nutritional Yeast
Place the Tofu cubes in a large glass bowl, then drizzle 1 tbsp of Tamari over them. Now that the Tofu has been pressed, it’s much more likely to absorb the Tamari flavor (and taste less bland). I like to use a large spatula to gently toss the Tofu, so the cubes don’t break. I prefer the flavor of Tamari in this recipe, but you can also use Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce.
Finally, we can’t forget about our third and final ingredient – Nutritional Yeast! Coating those cubes in at least 2 tbsp of those golden flakes helps to (1) absorb any extra liquid and give a nice, crispy crust, and (2) adds a ton of Umami + depth of flavor to the recipe. Honestly, the more “Nooch” you toss in there, the merrier!
Step Three: Bake Until Crispy!
Spread your Tofu on a Silicone Baking Mat, leaving enough space between each cube. Bake at 425F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the Tofu and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. I strongly recommend using the Silicone Mat here – it adds an extra layer of caramelization that you just can’t get with parchment paper!
After your Tofu comes out of the oven, it’s all nice, crispy, and ready to devour. I mean….can we look at those golden cubes?
This Crispy Tofu tastes so delicious that I can (have, and will) eat it plain, but it’s also great dipped in to sauce or used as a bowl-topper! If you’re looking for more ways to use it, you’ll also love these Orange Tofu Buddha Bowls, these Banh Mi Bowls, and this Thai Red Curry Soup!
A Few Final Thoughts:
- I strongly recommend using a Silicone Mat for this recipe; otherwise, your Tofu will not become as crispy.
- Prefer extra-firm Tofu? Freezing (and then thawing) your Tofu will provide a spongier, chewier texture.
- Feel free to add in extra seasonings with the Nutritional Yeast! Some of my favorites include Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Seeds.
Finally, if you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I love seeing your delicious recreations 🙂
The EASIEST Crispy Tofu Recipe
Learn how to make the best Crispy Tofu with this easy and yummy recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, this Tofu is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz. block Extra Firm Tofu
- 1 tbsp Reduced-Sodium Tamari
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast, plus more to taste
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 425F. Drain the liquid from the Tofu and “press” the extra liquid out by wrapping it in a clean dish towel, or by using a Tofu press. Try to get it as dry as possible!
- Cut the Tofu into even cubes. I like to cut the block in half lengthwise, then cut each rectangle into 16 even cubes. (Note: I like to lightly press the cubes with the dish towel if I have extra time/patience)
- Add the cubed Tofu to a large bowl, then use a spatula to gently toss it with the Tamari, until evenly coated. Add the Nutritional Yeast, then gently mix until coated. Add more Nutritional Yeast or extra seasonings to taste, if desired.
- Transfer the cubes to a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat, leaving space between the cubes. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the cubes. Bake for another 20-30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your tofu. The Tofu will also get slightly crispier as it cools.
- Serve as desired; leftovers will last in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
- Tamari may be substituted for Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce (not GF). I do not recommend Coconut Aminos as I find it to be too sweet.
- I strongly recommend using a Silicone Baking Mat for this recipe; otherwise, your Tofu will not become as crispy.
- Prefer extra-firm Tofu? Freezing (and then thawing) your Tofu will provide a spongier, chewier texture.
- Feel free to add in extra seasonings with the Nutritional Yeast! Some of my favorites include Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Seeds.
Keywords: Vegan Tofu, Crispy Tofu, Oil Free Tofu, Easy Tofu Recipe
My wife has some sort of intolerance reaction to nutritional yeast. Is there anything that you would recommend to substitute, as this was the type of recipe I was seeking.
Since your wife has an intolerance to nutritional yeast, you can easily substitute it with other ingredients to maintain the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some options for substituting nutritional yeast in the Crispy Tofu recipe:
Miso Paste: Miso paste adds a rich, savory flavor similar to nutritional yeast. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of miso paste instead of the nutritional yeast. Mix it with the tamari before tossing the tofu cubes.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Increase the amount of tamari or soy sauce used in the recipe to enhance the savory flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
Tahini: Tahini adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the tofu. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of tahini with the tamari before tossing the tofu cubes.
Sesame Oil: Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the tofu cubes before baking to add depth of flavor and richness.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cumin to enhance the flavor of the tofu.
Choose one or a combination of these substitutes based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your crispy tofu without compromising on flavor!
Great recipe
I’ll try it
Thank you, Leslie!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I’m glad I took a chance to read it as I was sure it must be deep fried. I can’t wait to buy some tofu. I’m sure it will freeze OK (right?) so I will bake a few packages.
I’m glad you found the recipe helpful. Yes, tofu freezes quite well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before pressing out the excess liquid and following the recipe. Enjoy!
I’ve tried A LOT of different tofu recipes and this one is the best. My family loves it. I make this recipe for Buddha bowls once a week.
★★★★★
Thank you so much, Mindy!
My extra firm tofu can not be cubed it just crumbles what to do?
If your extra firm tofu is crumbling when you try to cube it, try pressing it to remove excess moisture, freezing and thawing it, using a sharper knife, trying different cutting techniques, or using a different brand or type of tofu.
Looks great I love how easy the recipe is! Can you freeze these after making them to save? Then reheat in an airfryer?
★★★★★
Sure! You can freeze the crispy tofu after making it. Allow it to cool, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, place the frozen tofu cubes in an air fryer preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Enjoy!
Thank you! FINALLY I can make CRISPY tofu!!!! So many recipes previously ended up being mushy!!!
Ta da! You’ve cracked the code!
★★★★★
Happy you love it, Mandy!