Deep-Fried Crispy Tofu with Cilantro-Garlic Dipping Sauce
Golden, crunchy cubes of deep-fried tofu served alongside a vibrant, savory dipping sauce packed with fresh cilantro, pungent garlic, and zesty ginger. A perfect plant-based appetizer.
Equipment
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (e.g., Dutch oven)
- Thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels or wire cooling rack
- Tofu press (optional)
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu
- 14 oz Extra-firm tofu — Pressed for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch or potato starch — For coating the tofu
- 0.5 tsp Kosher salt — Mixed into the starch
- 4 cups Neutral oil (e.g., canola, peanut, or vegetable) — Amount may vary depending on pot size; enough for 2 inches of depth
Cilantro-Garlic Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro — Finely chopped, stems and leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves — Minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger — Peeled and finely grated
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce — Use tamari if gluten-free
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar — Unseasoned
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil — For flavor
- 1 tsp Maple syrup or agave nectar — To balance the acidity
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional) — Adjust to desired heat level
Crispy Tofu
| 14 oz | Extra-firm tofu | Pressed for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes |
| 0.5 cup | Cornstarch or potato starch | For coating the tofu |
| 0.5 tsp | Kosher salt | Mixed into the starch |
| 4 cups | Neutral oil (e.g., canola, peanut, or vegetable) | Amount may vary depending on pot size; enough for 2 inches of depth |
Cilantro-Garlic Dipping Sauce
| 0.5 cup | Fresh cilantro | Finely chopped, stems and leaves |
| 3 cloves | Garlic cloves | Minced |
| 1 tbsp | Fresh ginger | Peeled and finely grated |
| 3 tbsp | Soy sauce | Use tamari if gluten-free |
| 2 tbsp | Rice vinegar | Unseasoned |
| 1 tsp | Toasted sesame oil | For flavor |
| 1 tsp | Maple syrup or agave nectar | To balance the acidity |
| 0.25 tsp | Red pepper flakes (opt.) | Adjust to desired heat level |
Instructions
-
Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) on top and let it press for 15 minutes to expel excess water. Alternatively, use a tofu press.
~15 minPressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior and preventing oil splatters. -
While the tofu is pressing, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes. Whisk well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
~5 minThe sauce tastes best if it sits for at least 10 minutes before serving. -
Cut the pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and kosher salt. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until completely coated. Shake off any excess starch.
~5 minCoat the tofu just before frying to prevent the starch from becoming gummy. -
Pour the neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°F (175°C).
~5 minIf you don't have a thermometer, drop a tiny pinch of cornstarch into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. -
Carefully lower half of the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and very crispy. Remove with a spider strainer and drain on a wire cooling rack or paper towels.
~5 minFrying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, ensuring a crispy crust. -
Repeat the frying process with the remaining tofu. Serve the crispy tofu immediately alongside the cilantro-garlic dipping sauce.
~5 minServe right away, as the crispy coating will soften over time.
Tips & Storage
- Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for an even lighter, crispier shell.
- Be sure your oil maintains a temperature near 350°F; too hot and the outside will burn before the inside heats, too cool and the tofu will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Storage: This dish is best enjoyed immediately. Leftover tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 400°F until crispy again. Store the sauce separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.