Crispy Tofu With Balsamic Tomatoes
on Aug 02, 2022, Updated Jan 19, 2023
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Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes is so flavorful and really easy to make! Your days of serving bland tofu are officially over! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have crispy and flavorful tofu that pairs well with so many dishes.
If you’re looking for plant-based proteins to add to your diet, this tofu with balsamic tomatoes can really come in handy. There are many options for seasoning, and you can easily incorporate it into meals like tacos, Buddha bowls, soups and more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- firm tofu
- olive oil
- grape tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- balsamic vinegar
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Crispy Tofu With Balsamic Tomatoes
- Wrap the block of tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, bringing up the sides and pressing down lightly. Be careful not to press down too much as this could squeeze out all the water and make your tofu chewy.
- Cut the block into cubes and pat gently once again with paper towels.
- Then heat oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet.
- Once hot, add tofu carefully to the pan in one single layer. Allow the tofu to brown a little before turning it over. Sear the sides until golden in color. It will take about 15 minutes to cook the tofu properly. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Then the tomatoes. Cover with the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes. Then press the tomatoes with a spatula. Cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the tofu back to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, transfer everything to a plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Before adding the tofu, make sure to dry it with paper towels for a proper searing.
- Use a non-stick skillet so that your tofu won’t stick to the pan.
- Add tofu cubes in one single layer. Crowding the pan will prevent the tofu from becoming crispy.
Which Type of Tofu to Use
You can use almost any type except silken tofu for this recipe. However, firm and extra firm work the best.
How to Make the Tofu Extra Crispy?
Make sure to fry the tofu cubes for long enough. Depending on the size of the pieces, it can take up to 5 minutes per side to achieve a deliciously golden brown and crispy exterior. Also, remember to take your time while frying and don’t crowd the pan.
Should You Boil Tofu Before Frying?
It’s necessary to press out as much water as possible before baking, frying, or scrambling tofu. Contrary to what you might believe, boiling tofu actually helps to squeeze out more moisture, but this step is optional.
Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or to taste
Instructions
- Wrap the block of tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels, bringing up the sides and pressing down lightly. Be careful not to press down too much as this could squeeze out all the water and make your tofu chewy.
- Cut the block into cubes and pat gently once again with paper towels.
- Then heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet.
- Once hot, add tofu carefully to the pan in one single layer. Allow the tofu to brown a little before turning it over. Sear the sides until golden in color. It will take about 15 minutes to cook the tofu properly. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Then the tomatoes. Cover with the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes. Then press the tomatoes with a spatula. Cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the tofu back to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, transfer everything to a plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.