Pan-fried tofu with soy sauce is a delightful and simple dish that brings out the best in tofu. This recipe combines the rich flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil with the crispy texture of golden-brown tofu cubes. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
If you're not familiar with tofu, it's a versatile ingredient made from soybeans. Firm tofu is best for this recipe as it holds its shape well during cooking. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor and can usually be found in the international aisle of your supermarket. Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best taste.

Ingredients For Pan-Fried Tofu With Soy Sauce
Tofu: Firm, drained, and cut into cubes, tofu is the main protein in this dish.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the tofu.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the tofu to a golden brown.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the dish.
Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and taste.
Sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Green onions: Chopped green onions are used as a garnish for a fresh, crisp finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When pan-frying tofu, ensure it is thoroughly drained and patted dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture. Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and allow the tofu to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to tofu.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for pan-frying and adds a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlicky flavor if fresh garlic is not available.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a nutty flavor that can mimic the richness of sesame oil.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a slight floral note, making it a good alternative to sugar.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish in place of green onions.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the tofu to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tofu soggy.
Transfer the cooled tofu into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the tofu's freshness.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The pan-fried tofu will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the tofu cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to use, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors.
Avoid microwaving the tofu to reheat, as this can make it rubbery. Instead, opt for reheating on the stovetop for the best texture and taste.
If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to discard the tofu to ensure food safety.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Place the leftover tofu in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the tofu evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the tofu in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the tofu is heated evenly.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is heated through and crispy.
Steaming Method:
- Place the tofu in a steamer basket.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the steamer basket over it.
- Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the tofu until golden brown.
Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift food. Useful for turning the tofu cubes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Knife: A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting. Necessary for chopping the tofu into cubes and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting. Provides a safe surface for cutting tofu and garlic.
Measuring spoons: Spoons used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking. Needed for measuring soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, and sugar.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients. Can be used to combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar before adding to the pan.
Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, in this case, tofu cubes. Helps in turning the tofu without breaking it.
Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently. Useful for mincing the garlic if you prefer not to use a knife.
Serving plate: A plate on which food is served. Used to present the finished dish.
Chopping knife: A large, heavy knife used for chopping vegetables and herbs. Ideal for chopping green onions for garnish.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Drain and cut the tofu ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.
Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to skip the chopping step.
Measure sauces beforehand: Pre-measure the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to streamline the process.
Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan reduces the need for extra oil and makes cleanup faster.
Garnish efficiently: Chop green onions while the tofu cooks to multitask effectively.

Pan-fried Tofu with Soy Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Tofu firm, drained and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Green Onions chopped
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well to coat the tofu.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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