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Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

WRITER BYCassie
POSTEDApril 1, 2020
JUMP TO RECIPE

Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu is so easy to make from just a few simple ingredients.  Serve it as an appetiser or pair it with some veggies and rice for a simple yet delicious dinner.  These pan-fried tofu bites are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.  Perfect for vegetarians or vegans, or anyone looking for a scrumptious way to enjoy tofu. 

salt and pepper tofu bites in a square bowl.

If you're looking for a delicious way to use that block of tofu in the fridge you've come to the right place!  This pan-fried crispy salt and pepper tofu is irresistible and you'll only need a few simple ingredients.

You can eat these crunchy tofu bites as a snack, an appetiser or even pop it alongside some veggies and rice for a simple yet scrumptious dinner.

This recipe is a spin on the classic Chinese dish, and whether you're a vegetarian, vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based meals, you'll love it!

Why you'll love this recipe...

  • Quick and easy
  • Made with a few simple ingredients
  • Great for an appetiser, snack or simple dinner

a salt and pepper tofu bite on top of a small dipping bowl of salt and pepper.

What you'll need

ingredients for salt and pepper tofu on a wooden board.

Here's what you'll need to make these crunchy tofu bites (full measurements listed in the printable recipe card below)...

  • Extra-Firm (or Firm) Tofu
  • Corn Flour / Corn Starch
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Olive Oil

How to Make Salt and Pepper Tofu - Step by Step

Cut tofu into small uniform cubes, then place in a small bowl and mix together with corn flour, ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

tofu cubes in a glass bowl.

Pour just enough oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom of the pan, then bring to medium heat.  Add tofu cubes to the pan, spacing out so they aren't touching, and fry until crispy on all sides.  If you have a smaller frying pan you may need to cook in batches.

cubes of tofu being fried in a frying pan.

Serve as an appetiser on its own with salt and pepper combined together (approx. 1 teaspoon of each) in a small dish to dip the tofu bites in.  Or serve as a meal alongside some veggies and rice as a tofu bowl.

salt and pepper tofu bites in a square bowl.

Tips for Making This Recipe

  • I tend to go light with the salt and pepper when I'm initially coating the tofu as I like to dip the fried pieces into salt and pepper before I eat them.  But if you aren't intending to do that, feel free to add in a little more salt and pepper before you fry them.
  • If you are planning to use tofu that isn't extra-firm or firm, you'll want to press it before using it in the recipe.  To do that, layer a block of tofu between two plates lined with paper towel or clean kitchen towels.  Then place something heavier on top - like a text book or a cast iron pan.  Place in the fridge for an hour or so, then use.
  • Feel free to double this recipe. As written it would be great for 2 people as a snack or appetiser if you're serving nothing else. Great for dinner for 2 too.

pieces of salt and pepper tofu scattered on a wooden board.

MORE DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN RECIPES

  • Pan-Fried Sriracha Tofu
  • Vegetarian Rice Paper Rolls
  • Bang Bang Cauliflower
  • Vegetarian Three Bean Chili
  • Vegetarian Quiche
  • Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles

If you’ve tried this Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below!

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RECIPE

Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Crispy salt and pepper tofu is so easy to make from just a few simple ingredients.  Serve it as an appetiser or pair it with some veggies and rice for a simple yet delicious dinner.  These pan-fried tofu bites are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.  Perfect for vegetarians or vegans, or anyone looking for a scrumptious way to enjoy tofu. 

0 Stars (1 Reviews)

servings

4

Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

1

Cut tofu into small uniform cubes, then place in a small bowl and mix together with corn flour, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper.  

2

Pour just enough oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom, then bring to medium heat.  Add tofu cubes to the pan, spacing out so they aren't touching, and fry until crispy on all sides.  If you have a smaller frying pan you may need to cook in batches.

3

Serve as an appetiser on its own with salt and pepper combined together (approx. 1 tsp of each) in a small dish to dip the tofu bites in.  Or serve as a meal alongside some veggies and rice as a tofu bowl.  

Notes
  • I tend to go light with the salt and pepper when I'm initially coating the tofu as I like to dip the fried pieces into salt and pepper before I eat them.  But if you aren't intending to do that, feel free to add in a little more salt and pepper before you fry them. 
  • If you are planning to use tofu that isn't extra-firm or firm, you'll want to press it before using it in the recipe.  To do that, layer a block of tofu between two plates lined with paper towel or clean kitchen towels.  Then place something heavier on top - like a text book or a cast iron pan.  Place in the fridge for an hour or so, then use. 
  • Feel free to double this recipe. As written it would be great for 2 people as a snack or appetiser if you're serving nothing else. Great for dinner for 2 too.

Did you make this? Tell us about it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings:4
Serving Size:1

Amount Per Serving:

calories

200kcal

carbohydrates

31g

protein

5g

fat

6g

saturated fat

1g

polyunsaturated fat

5g

sodium

79mg

fiber

1g

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