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Home Ā» Recipes Ā» How To Guides Ā» How to Make Crispy Tofu (easy, healthy, no-fry)

How to Make Crispy Tofu (easy, healthy, no-fry)

Published: May 29, 2023 Modified: Aug 30, 2023 by Elizabeth Ā· 28 Comments

Ever wondered how to make perfect crispy tofu? This simple method is less hassle than frying and will give you crispy tofu every time.

Jump to Recipe
Bowl of broiled healthy tofu with kale, cabbage, carrot and sesame seeds. Chopsticks and bowl of sesame seeds nearby.

Tofu confused the heck out of me when I was first figuring out how to go vegan.

I had no idea how to season or cook it and every time it ended up tasting bland and mushy.

I couldn't figure out why it always tasted good in restaurants but was a complete disaster when made by me at home, and assumed I'd never crack it.

But here's the thing: I was wrong! For anyone who is terrified of cooking tofu (and I know because I was one of them), I'm here to show you that you don't need to be!

Delicious, crispy tofu is actually surprisingly easy to make and not as much fuss as you might think.

So if you're wondering how to cook tofu and make it taste incredible in your vegan noodle bowl, look no further! The secret is: BROILING.

This broiling method takes 20 minutes, is a healthy way to cook tofu, doesn't need any fancy ingredients and bonus: your tofu will stick to the pan WAY LESS than if you fry it!

Tempted? Read on.

Bowl of crispy tofu surrounded by green leaves, red cabbage and carrots. Topped with sesame seeds.

Why is this crispy tofu so good?

Healthier - For starters, broiling tofu is a healthier method of cooking than frying, and it requires less oil to create crispier cubes.

Easy - It's also really easy to make. The recipe requires just 4 ingredients and no marinating (tofu, soy sauce or Bragg's Soy Seasoning, apple cider vinegar and oil), so it takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect!

Hassle-free - It's incredibly low maintenance. You need to flip the tofu once halfway through, but otherwise can just leave it under your oven's broiler/grill to cook. It's as simple as that!

What makes this a healthy recipe for tofu?

This tofu recipe is healthy for several reasons:

1) It's broiled - rather than fried - so it uses less oil because the tofu is cooked under a direct heat (see full description of broiling below).

2) It won't stick to the pan anywhere near as much as if you were frying, meaning that subsequently, you'll need to use even less oil!

3) The seasoning contains simple, healthy ingredients. Just soy sauce and apple cider vinegar (which may lower blood sugars).

Bowl of healthy tofu surrounded by green leaves, red cabbage, carrots and a bowl of sesame seeds.

What is broiling?

Broiling is a North American term used to describe the process of cooking something directly under a high heat, usually in the top of your oven (although some stoves have a separate broiler).

If you're not in North America, you might also know this term as grilling. (Ironically, grilling in North America means barbecuing! It's all very confusing.)

Ingredients

Ingredients for how to make crispy tofu: raw tofu, oil, vinegar and soy sauce.

Tofu - I like to use medium firm, or firm tofu because it holds its shape when being broiled. I don't recommend using soft - it will fall apart!

Soy sauce/tamari - This is pretty crucial for flavour, as tofu naturally has a very bland taste. Either soy sauce or tamari can be used. Tamari is a (generally) gluten free soy sauce, whereas regular soy sauce usually contains wheat.

Apple cider vinegar - Adds a mild tanginess to the tofu. Feel free to omit if you don't have it - it's not as important for flavour as the soy sauce.

Oil - You need to use some oil as otherwise the tofu will stick to the pan (however we're using much less than if we were frying). Use a cooking oil that's stable in high temperatures, like avocado oil.

Looking for recipes to use this healthy tofu in?

Why not try my Vegan Tofu Noodles with Almond Butter, Butter Tofu or my Buddha Bowls?

How to make crispy tofu

Tray of uncooked cubed tofu ready to be broiled.

1) Preheat your oven's broiler/grill (top heat in oven).

2) Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and place on baking tray. (You're welcome to press the tofu if you want to, to remove excess water, but it's not essential as the water will evaporate while cooking.)

Tray of uncooked cubed tofu covered in oil and soy sauce, being flipped with spatula by female hand.

3) Toss cubes in soy sauce, apple cider vinegar and avocado oil and make sure they're well coated.

Tray of crispy broiled tofu being flipped with spatula by female hand.

4) Broil in oven for 10 minutes until golden on top, then flip tofu cubes.

How to make crispy tofu: tray of cooked crispy broiled tofu with oven glove nearby.

5) Broil for another 10 minutes, or until tofu is golden.


Check out my web story showing you how to make this healthy crispy tofu.

Storage

Store any uneaten cooked tofu in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's great on buddha bowls, vegan noodles or served with salad and red cabbage sauerkraut.

I don't recommend freezing.

Bowl of crispy tofu surrounded by green leaves, red cabbage, carrots and chopsticks.

Tofu FAQS

Why isn't my tofu getting crispy?

It might be due to the oil you're using. I strongly recommend cooking with an oil that is stable in high heat (like avocado) to promote crispiness - when I've used olive oil I find my tofu doesn't get as crispy.

Do I need to press my tofu to make it crispy?

You don't have to, and I don't usually (because I'm lazy!), but it will make your tofu a little crispier and absorb flavours more easily. It also helps it hold its shape better when cooking.

Why is there a lot of water in the pan around my tofu?

This is normal if you haven't pressed your tofu. It will eventually evaporate as you keep broiling it, don't worry. If it bothers you, press your tofu before you cook.

Can you eat tofu raw?

You can, and it's safe to add to raw desserts like cheesecakes. Personally I like cooking it as I prefer the taste.

Dishes this tofu is great in

  • A bowl of vegan noodles with almond butter sauce, tofu and vegetables.
    Vegan Tofu Noodles with Almond Butter
  • Overhead image of two plates of Vegan Butter Tofu on a white marble background.
    Butter Tofu (vegan, gluten-free)
  • Close up image of vegan buddha bowls containing tofu, brown rice, carrots, beets, greens and cucumber, next to linen napkin.
    Vegan Buddha Bowls with Tofu (gluten-free)
  • A bowl of Chickpea Spinach Curry and rice decorated with cilantro.
    Easy Chickpea Spinach Curry with Coconut Milk

Like this post on how to cook tofu? Check out all my vegan how to guides.

Bowl of crispy tofu surrounded by green leaves, red cabbage and carrots. Topped with sesame seeds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.94 from 74 votes

How to Make Crispy Tofu (easy, healthy, no-fry)

Ever wondered how to make perfect crispy tofu? This simple method is less hassle than frying and will give you crispy tofu every time.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, comfort food, gluten-free, healthy, vegan, vegetarian
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 people
Calories per serving: 96kcal
Author: Elizabeth Emery

Ingredients

  • 1 454g block medium or firm tofu (I've used medium - don't use soft, it will fall apart)
  • 1½ tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (use gluten free if needed - I like Braggs Soy Seasoning for a gluten free, lower sodium alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or another flavourless cooking oil)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven's broiler (top heat in oven - your 'grill' if you're not in N. America).
  • Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and place on a baking tray. (You're welcome to press your tofu if you like, but it's not essential.)
  • Toss cubes in soy sauce, apple cider vinegar and avocado oil and make sure they're well coated.
  • Broil in oven for 10 minutes, then flip tofu cubes.
  • Broil for another 10 minutes, or until tofu is golden.
  • Enjoy in your favourite stir fry, salad or buddha bowl!
Tried this recipe?Leave a rating above and mention @vancouverwithlove or tag #vancouverwithlove on Instagram!

Notes

Store any uneaten cooked tofu in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's great on buddha bowls and vegan noodles.
I don't recommend freezing.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.8g | Protein: 10.7g | Fat: 5.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Sodium: 1254mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 1.1g | Calcium: 233mg | Iron: 2mg

If you’ve tried this healthy tofu recipe, please leave a comment or tip for others below.

I'd love to know how you’ve made it your own!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon

    May 02, 2023 at 1:26 am

    5 stars
    I often struggle with making tofu. It can be soft and mushy or flavourless. This recipe makes it really tasty!

    Reply
    • Caroline

      May 02, 2023 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      Thanks - just tried this and it’s delicious!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth

        May 03, 2023 at 12:38 am

        Thank you Caroline - so happy that you loved it. šŸ™‚

    • Elizabeth

      May 03, 2023 at 12:37 am

      So glad to hear that Sharon. Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Allan

    May 02, 2023 at 1:27 am

    5 stars
    Such a solid recipe. Tofu never tasted better!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 03, 2023 at 12:38 am

      Glad you love it Allan - it's so much easier than frying isn't it?

      Reply
  3. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome

    May 04, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is amazing! So easy to make and so full of flavor!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 04, 2023 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you Helen - I quite agree!

      Reply
  4. Mary

    May 04, 2023 at 11:45 pm

    5 stars
    This was so easy! My sister is going to be shocked next time she visits! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 08, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      Excellent! So glad to hear it Mary.

      Reply
  5. Nora

    May 05, 2023 at 4:18 am

    5 stars
    This is awesome! Tofu tastes so much better when crispy! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 08, 2023 at 6:06 pm

      I totally agree, and personally I love that this method is so much less hassle. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. AndrƩa Janssen

    May 05, 2023 at 5:56 am

    5 stars
    This crispy tofu was really delicious. And because of the flavoring, it didn't taste blend at all (what tofu sometimes tend to do). I've saved this recipe, because I'm certainly going to use it in the future for making tofu.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 08, 2023 at 6:06 pm

      So happy to hear that Andrea - I agree, it's so important to flavour tofu well!

      Reply
  7. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings

    May 10, 2023 at 9:36 pm

    5 stars
    This turned out perfectly, I loved the texture!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 11, 2023 at 9:55 pm

      Oh good Lindsay! So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  8. Mary

    May 11, 2023 at 3:17 am

    5 stars
    Never thought of broiling it. Crispy tofu is perfect for stir frying where the hot wok, fast cooking doesn't give the tofu enough time to get crisp. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 11, 2023 at 9:55 pm

      It's not obvious, is it? But I love the method. Glad you do too!

      Reply
  9. Julia

    May 12, 2023 at 3:46 am

    This is great! We only had a block of firm tofu at the end of the week for our protein, loved how quick and easy this was to make (plus it was such an easy clean up!)

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 12, 2023 at 4:35 pm

      Agreed! The cleanup is so simple isn't it? Happy you loved it. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Elizabeth Flight

    May 15, 2023 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    The best tofu recipe I’ve found! So good and so easy!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 15, 2023 at 9:24 pm

      Oh I'm so happy you love it Elizabeth! And hi to a fellow Elizabeth. šŸ˜‰

      Reply
      • Georgette

        July 01, 2023 at 6:19 pm

        Hi! So I’m preheating my broiler now. Do I use the high or the low on the broiler and is the tray placed towards the bottom of the oven or the top or in the middle?

      • Elizabeth

        July 04, 2023 at 11:55 pm

        Hi! I would go with the high setting, and you want your tray as close to the heat as possible, so on the top shelf. That said, broilers are all different, so if yours cooks the tofu really fast, you may want to bring it down a shelf! Hope you enjoy. šŸ™‚

  11. swathi

    June 01, 2023 at 9:48 pm

    5 stars
    Crispy tofu looks delicious perfect meal. Great with lettuce.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 12, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      Yes, it works really well with salad. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  12. Tina

    June 02, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    I've never thought to broil tofu- total game changer!! Thanks so much for this tofu recipe.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 12, 2023 at 4:43 pm

      So glad you liked it Tina. Honestly broiling is the best thing ever - I don't know why I didn't think to do it sooner. šŸ™‚

      Reply

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