Crispy Low Fat Tofu Recipes

THE BEST CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place on top of a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place a heavy pan on top of the tofu and let it sit for 5 minutes to release as much moisture as possible. Unwrap the tofu and slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick by 1 1/2-inch-wide planks.
• Whisk the soy sauce, lime juice, agave syrup, scallion whites and sriracha together in a small bowl and set aside. Mix the panko, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic salt, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper in a pie dish or shallow bowl. Press the tofu planks into the panko mixture to coat on all sides.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the tofu with a metal spatula and continue cooking undisturbed until a deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the soy-sauce mixture to the pan. Cook until bubbling and slightly thicker, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the tofu planks and sprinkle with the scallion greens.

CRISPY TOFU BITES

Steps:

• Drain tofu, place on a plate, and stack heavy plates on top of it to drain any extra moisture, at least 15 minutes. Slice into 24 bite-size pieces.
• Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Toss tofu into bag, seal completely, and shake to coat. Transfer tofu pieces to a plate, shaking off any excess flour.
• Pour vegetable oil into a skillet; heat on medium-high until just smoking. Cook tofu, turning often, until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.

CRISPY BAKED TOFU FINGERS/NUGGETS (LOW FAT)

Steps:

• Wisk together tamari (or soy sauce), teriyaki, and mirin (or vinegar/sugar) Set aside.
• Cut tofu into 1/2 inch slices and then each slice into half lengthwise to get "fingers." If making "nuggets", cut tofu into 1 inch cubes. Place cubes or fingers into tamari marinade and place in fridge for at least an hour. (the longer you leave it, the more intense the flavour -- sometimes I make this ahead the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight)
• After marinating, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Remove tofu from marinade and shake off excess marinade. Place Shake 'n Bake mix in shallow dish or plate and coat each piece of tofu with the crumbs making sure to coat all sides. (press the tofu down into the mix to make sure it sticks well)
• Place breaded tofu on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray and bake in oven for 10 minutes, flip tofu, then bake another 10 or until golden and crispy.
• Serve with BBQ sauce, ranch, marinara, teriyaki or any other sauce you desire! :).

CRISPY LOW-FAT TOFU

Steps:

• Drain the tofu and slice it into three fillet-sized slices, long-ways.
• Now press these briefly, even just by hand. You want to get the overabundance of water out, but not all of it.
• Place the fillets in a bag, preferably not touching one another, but this isn't essential.
• Freeze until thoroughly frozen through. This usually takes overnight or all day.
• Take out a slice when you want to use it, and microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Drain the water, cut it into cubes or leave it as a fillet, and microwave it for another 1-2 minutes.
• Heat1 tsp oil per fillet or so, some (2-3 tbs) water, l and, if you like, some aromatics in a non stick skillet or wok.
• Add the hot tofu, toss to be sure the small amount of oil coats a bit, then cook.
• Press down on the tofu each time you flip the cubes with your spatula, releasing a little of the water or marinate each time.
• The tofu will get quite golden and crisp as a result of having some water left in it and microwaving. It's really cool, just try a few times to get the hang of the pressiing part.
• Add braising liquids or flavorings as desired.

CRISPY TOFU WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Put a large baking sheet on the middle or lower oven rack and preheat to 500 ̊ F. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, then halve each piece lengthwise to make 4 long wedges.
• Slice the wedges crosswise and combine in a large bowl with the green beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a generous grinding of pepper; toss well. Spread on the hot baking sheet and roast, tossing once, until tender and browned in spots, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the tofu into twelve 1 1/2- to 1 3/4-inch cubes. Press with paper towels to absorb some of the moisture; season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp on all sides, about 15 minutes.
• Combine the parsley, chives, lemon zest and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a mini food processor; pulse until chopped (or finely chop by hand). Add the remaining 3 tablespoons
• olive oil and pulse to combine. Scrape into a bowl and stir in the lemon juice and 1 to 2 teaspoons water to make the sauce loose enough to drizzle. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the vegetables and tofu among plates. Drizzle with the herb sauce and top with the almonds and more chives.

CRISPY TOFU FINGERS

Steps:

• Coat a cookie sheet with oil.
• Slice tofu lengthwise, about 1/4 inch thick, and pat dry.
• Put the sauce into a dish, and dip each piece of tofu into the sauce, coating it well (I used barbecue sauce, and it was tasty).
• Place the tofu on the cookie sheet in a single layer (Pieces can be touching, but should not overlap).
• Sprinkle on desired seasoning.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
• Some people like it very chewy, while others prefer it when it's still soft.

CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Blot tofu dry. Cut into 3/4-in. cubes. Place on a clean kitchen towel; cover with another towel. Place a cutting board on top; gently place a large cast iron skillet on top. Let stand 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Add tofu to soy mixture; turn to coat. Add tofu, a few pieces at a time, to the cornstarch; toss to coat. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until cubes are golden brown and crispy, 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Garnish with green onions, if desired.