How to Make Tofu: The Ultimate Guide to Fried and Air Fried Tofu

Tofu, a versatile and protein-rich staple in many diets, is a popular choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the world of tofu, this guide will walk you through the steps of making tofu from scratch, how to fry tofu to perfection, and how to use an air fryer for a healthier, crispy alternative.

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What is Tofu?

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a plant-based protein made from soybeans. It’s created by curdling fresh soy milk, pressing it into a solid block, and then cooling it. Tofu is incredibly versatile, absorbing flavors from marinades and spices, making it a great addition to various dishes.

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How to Make Tofu from Scratch

Ingredients:

• Dried Soybeans: 2 cups
• Water: 8 cups (for soaking) + 6 cups (for blending)
• Coagulant (Nigari or Lemon Juice): 2 teaspoons (for Nigari) or 4 tablespoons (for lemon juice)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Soybeans: Place the dried soybeans in a large bowl and cover them with 8 cups of water. Soak the beans for at least 8 hours or overnight until they have doubled in size.
2. Blend the Soybeans: Drain the soaked soybeans and transfer them to a blender. Add 6 cups of water and blend until you have a smooth puree.
3. Cook the Soybean Mixture: Pour the soybean puree into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the Soy Milk: Pour the cooked soybean mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag into a separate pot, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. The liquid is your fresh soy milk.
5. Coagulate the Soy Milk: Heat the soy milk to about 185°F (85°C). In a small bowl, dissolve your coagulant in warm water. Slowly stir the coagulant into the soy milk, a little at a time, until curds start forming.
6. Press the Tofu: Once curds have formed, let them sit for 15 minutes. Then, transfer the curds into a tofu press or a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Press the tofu for 20-30 minutes, depending on the desired firmness.
7. Cool and Store: After pressing, your tofu is ready to use. Store it in water in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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What is Fried Tofu?

Frying tofu is a popular way to enjoy it, particularly in Asian cuisine. It involves coating tofu in a light layer of cornstarch or batter and frying it until golden and crispy. The frying process gives the tofu a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. Fried tofu is often used in stir-fries, soups, salads, or as a delicious snack with dipping sauces.

How to Make Fried Tofu

Fried tofu is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy tofu. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be added to stir-fries, salads, or enjoyed as a snack.

Ingredients:

• Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: 1 block (200g, 20g protein, 150 calories)
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (1g protein, 10 calories)
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (0g protein, 60 calories)
• Vegetable Oil: 2-3 tablespoons (0g protein, 240 calories)

Instructions:

1. Press the Tofu: Before frying, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place it between two plates. Put a heavy object on top and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
2. Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
3. Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu pieces in a bowl and add soy sauce. Toss gently to coat the tofu evenly. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
4. Coat with Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, add the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of tofu in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. This will help create a crispy exterior when fried.
5. Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the tofu from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or add to your desired dish.

Tip: For extra flavor, you can add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the cornstarch before coating the tofu.

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How to Make Fried Tofu in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook tofu is a healthier alternative to deep frying. It requires less oil and still delivers a crispy texture.

Ingredients:

• Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu: 1 block (200g, 20g protein, 150 calories)
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (1g protein, 10 calories)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (0g protein, 120 calories)
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (0g protein, 60 calories)

Instructions:

1. Press the Tofu: Just like with fried tofu, press the tofu to remove excess water. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
2. Cut and Marinate: Cut the tofu into cubes or slices, and marinate in soy sauce for 10-15 minutes. Add olive oil to help the tofu crisp up in the air fryer.
3. Coat with Cornstarch: Toss the marinated tofu in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Tofu: Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tofu should be golden and crispy when done.
6. Serve: Enjoy your air-fried tofu as a snack, in salads, or as a topping for stir-fries.

Tip: If you want an even crispier tofu, spray the tofu with a bit of cooking spray before air frying.

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Tips for the Perfect Fried Tofu

• Press the Tofu Well: Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving a crispy texture. Use a tofu press or a heavy object to press the tofu.
• Use the Right Oil: For deep frying, use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tofu in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the tofu to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less crispy texture.
• Flavour the Tofu: Tofu absorbs flavours well. Marinate it in your favourite sauces or seasonings before frying to enhance its taste.

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Conclusion

Making tofu at home is a rewarding process that allows you to control the quality and flavour of this protein-rich food. Whether you’re frying tofu in a skillet or air fryer, you can achieve a crispy and delicious result that’s perfect for various dishes. With these tips and techniques, you’ll master the art of making and cooking tofu, adding a healthy and tasty option to your culinary repertoire.