Karage Tofu

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Karaage Tofu is the ultimate plant-based twist on the beloved Japanese fried chicken. Perfectly pressed firm tofu is marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and garlic, infusing each bite with bold umami notes. Coated in a light potato starch and flour mixture, the tofu cubes are fried to crunchy perfection, creating an irresistible contrast to their tender, chewy centers. Serve these bite-sized delights hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a zesty finish and garnish with scallions or parsley for a pop of color. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or exploring meat-free alternatives, this quick and easy recipe (ready in just 35 minutes!) promises to impress your taste buds. Ideal for appetizers, light meals, or even snacking, Karaage Tofu offers a satisfying, crispy indulgence that's perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

10 items

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 whole lemon wedges (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons optional garnish (scallions or parsley)

📝 Instructions

9 steps

1. Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object (such as a skillet or a can) on top and let it press for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes (roughly 1.5 inches).

3. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, toss gently to coat, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

4. In a shallow dish, mix potato starch and flour together.

5. Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each tofu piece evenly in the starch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

6. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 170°C (340°F). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the coating into the oil — it should sizzle and float to the surface.

7. Carefully add the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.

8. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9. Serve the Karaage Tofu hot with lemon wedges on the side. Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley for extra flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (283.6g)

Calories		1298
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		133.6 g	171%
	Saturated Fat	19.0 g	95%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		451 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate		22.4 g	8%
	Dietary Fiber	3.7 g	13%
	Total Sugars	2.8 g
Protein		17.6 g	35%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		704 mg	54%
Iron		3.1 mg	17%
Potassium		361 mg	8%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 4808 cal (88.3%%)

Protein: 281 cal (5.2%%)

Carbs: 358 cal (6.6%%)