Meet your new weeknight favorite: Crispy Garlic Tofu Bites! These golden, bite-sized tofu cubes are marinated in a savory soy-garlic mixture, coated with a delicate blend of cornstarch and paprika, and pan-fried to irresistible crispy perfection. Perfectly seasoned and boasting a satisfying crunch, this vegan-friendly recipe is quick and easy, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. Whether served as a protein-packed snack, tossed into a salad, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these tofu bites are a flavorful upgrade to any meal. Garnish with green onions for an extra pop of color and freshness. With its simple ingredients and versatile serving options, this recipe is a must-try for tofu lovers and skeptics alike!
Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain off the liquid. Wrap the block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object (like a skillet or books) on top to press out excess moisture for 10 minutes.
While the tofu presses, mince the garlic cloves finely and set aside.
Cut the pressed tofu into small bite-sized cubes (around 1-inch pieces).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce and minced garlic. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture gently to coat them. Allow the tofu to marinate for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and paprika.
Remove the tofu pieces from the marinade (reserve any remaining marinade for later use if desired) and toss them in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crisping (cook in batches if necessary).
Cook the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs or a spatula, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the cooked tofu from the skillet and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions (optional) and serve immediately. These tofu bites can be enjoyed on their own, with your favorite dipping sauce, or as part of a meal.
Calories |
800 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1231 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.3 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 46.5 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 669 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 911 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.