Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu (Vegan, Gluten Free)

This crispy salt and pepper tofu will be your new favorite tofu recipe! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this tofu has yummy salt and pepper flavor, tossed in the most delicious ginger garlic mixture.

As someone who follows a primarily plant-based diet, I rely a lot on tofu for high quality protein. I prepare tofu at least two times a week for dinner, and love to add leftover tofu to salads or bowls for lunch.

Tofu has a pretty bland, neutral flavor on it’s own, so I am always excited to try new tofu recipes and preparation methods. This crispy salt and pepper tofu is certainly a new favorite in our house, and one that I’ll be making again very soon!

What is tofu?

Tofu is a food made by condensing soy milk and pressing it together into solid white blocks. The process of making tofu is similar to cheesemaking. Tofu is thought to have originated in China thousands of years ago. It is a commonly consumed food in Asian diets, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

There are several types of tofu. You can buy silken or soft tofu, which has a high water content and custardy texture. Softer tofus are best for creamy, blended foods like dips and smoothies. Firm and extra firm tofu have more water pressed out, so they are dense and firm. They are easy to cut into solid cubes or slices. Use firm and extra firm tofu for stir frying, grilling, baking, and pan-searing. You’ll want to use firm or extra firm tofu for this recipe.

When eaten plain, tofu has a neutral flavor. But, tofu easily absorbs the flavors you add to it in the marinating and cooking processes, making it such a versatile ingredient. It’s an excellent vehicle for your favorite sauce, and goes well with just about any flavor.

Ingredients in crispy salt and pepper tofu

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this salt and pepper tofu recipe.

• Firm or extra firm tofu: These types of tofu are best for this recipe, because you will cut it into cubes and pan fry it.
• Corn starch: This forms a coating on the tofu cubes, making them extra crispy when pan fried.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper is best. You can also sub white pepper if you have it, but I don’t find it necessary to get a delicious salt and pepper flavor.
• Salt: I used coarse kosher salt, but you can also use sea salt.
• Canola oil: This neutral flavored oil is good for pan frying tofu.
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scallions

Tofu nutritional benefits

Tofu is an incredibly healthy food to include in your diet. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or not, there is room on everyone’s plate for more tofu!

Tofu packs a ton of nutrition. A half-cup serving of tofu provides:

• 10 grams of plant-based protein
• 43% of your daily calcium needs
• 36% of your daily iron needs

Tofu is low in saturated fat and provides heart healthy unsaturated fats. It also contains beneficial plant compounds called isoflavones. These compounds have antioxidant properties, and may help reduce menopause symptoms, protect against certain cancers, promote heart health.

How to make crispy salt and pepper tofu

First, press the tofu to remove excess water. You can use a tofu press, or just wrap the tofu in paper towels and press between two plates.

Cut the tofu into large cubes. Pat the cubes dry with a clean towel or paper towels.

Mix together corn starch, salt, and pepper. Coat all the sides of the tofu cubes in the corn starch mixtures.

Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet. Making sure not to crowd the pan, place the tofu cubes in the skillet. Fry on each side for 1-2  minutes, until edges begin to turn golden brown. You may have to do this in batches, depending on pan size.

Remove tofu and place on a paper towel to soak up excess oil. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and scallions to the same pan you cooked the tofu in. Saute for a few minutes until fragrant.

Toss the tofu cubes in the garlic, ginger, and scallions mix with more salt and pepper. Serve right away with your favorite vegetables and brown rice! 

More tofu recipes to try

• Peanut Tofu Bowls
• Tofu Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Crispy Baked Tofu
• Chili Spiced Tofu Tacos

Let me know if you love this recipe by leaving a comment or rating below, and check out Instagram and Pinterest for more healthy lifestyle inspiration. Thanks for stopping by!

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