Crispy Tofu Bites with Dipping Sauce (Printable)
Golden tofu bites with a tangy, savory dipping sauce. Vegan, dairy-free, and ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz firm tofu
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Coating
04 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or rice flour for gluten-free
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, optional
→ For Frying
09 - 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Dipping Sauce
10 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
13 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
15 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
16 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions
# How to Make It:
01 - Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Allow to press for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
02 - Cut the pressed tofu block into 3/4 inch bite-sized cubes.
03 - In a mixing bowl, toss tofu cubes with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
04 - In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sesame seeds.
05 - Roll each tofu cube in the coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure all sides are evenly covered.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
07 - Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
08 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, chili flakes, and scallions until well combined.
09 - Arrange crispy tofu bites on a serving plate and provide dipping sauce on the side. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The double-coating trick creates a restaurant-quality crunch that even tofu skeptics cant resist.
- You can prep everything ahead and fry just before guests arrive, making entertaining feel effortless.
02 -
- The oil must be properly heated before adding tofu – test with a tiny bit of coating which should bubble immediately but not burn.
- Let the tofu rest at room temperature for 10 minutes after pressing but before coating – cold tofu straight from the fridge lowers your oil temperature too much.
03 -
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the tofu in a tablespoon of soy sauce for 15 minutes after pressing but before coating.
- The water-spray trick between double coatings creates little crevices for extra crispiness – I discovered this by accident when my hands were wet during coating.