How To Cook Tofu Not Crispy
Unsurprisingly the reason harkens back to moisture.
How to cook tofu not crispy. To drain it slice the block and place the slices in a single layer on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Smaller cubes will take 2 mins each side larger triangles will take 4 mins. Cut the pressed tofu into one inch cubes.
How to make crispy tofu. Drain the tofu and use your palms to gently squeeze out some of the water. Bake for another 20 30 minutes depending on how crispy you like your tofu.
If on the other hand the tofu is destined for a stir fry or some other saucy application you ll want to give them a crispy coating that can both absorb a bit of sauce and provide a layer of protection so that the tofu can stay crisp even after saucing. Add the olive oil to a non stick pan and add the tofu cubes and a few pinches kosher salt. Use in your favorite stir fry dip in peanut sauce or add to soups or stews.
Cornstarch is another secret ingredient to have in your crispy tofu toolkit. Using oil in your marinade will actually create an oil slick on the tofu meaning the flavors will never absorb. Turn on the heat to medium high.
Let cook for 5 minutes on one side then with a heat proof spatula flip the tofu pieces so that all sides brown cooking for a few minutes on each remaining side. So skip the oil in your marinades and opt for extra vinegar soy sauce citrus. The tofu will also get slightly crispier as it cools.
Toss with cornstarch in a medium bowl until each piece is well coated. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 20 minutes then carefully flip the cubes. Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to one week.