Best Crispy Fried Tofu Recipe

Name: Best Crispy Fried Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 egg tofu tubes ((sliced into 0.5-inch or 0.5-cm pieces)); 0.25 tsp rosdee seasoning powder ((see notes)); 0.25 tsp white pepper powder; 1/3 cup tempura flour; oil for frying

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This crispy fried tofu recipe is gluten-free, easy to make, and ready in 20 minutes using just 5 ingredients. The soft egg tofu turns perfectly golden and crisp on the outside while staying creamy inside—an ideal snack or side for pairing with your favorite dipping sauce!

A platter of golden fried tofu served with dipping sauce, lime, and a fresh vegetable side salad on a woven mat

Tip: If you love tofu, try my popular tofu larb and vegetarian Thai basil stir-fry recipes for more easy and delicious dishes!

Recipe information and tips

Making fried egg tofu is so easy, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it on repeat! These golden bites are high in protein and so delicious that everyone—even the kids—will love them.

A close-up of fried egg tofu pieces, highlighting the crispy golden coating and soft interior, with fresh vegetables and dipping sauce in the background.

Coating the tofu in tempura flour creates a light, crispy exterior that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, so you’d hardly notice they’re deep-fried! If deep-frying isn’t your thing, pan-frying is an option too.

Pan-frying egg tofu takes a bit more care to prevent breaking. Use a non-stick skillet, chill the slices in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm them up, and flip gently with a thin spatula.

The flavor is lightly savory with a creamy egg tofu texture and just a hint of pepper. You can also add your favorite seasonings like chili flakes, garlic powder, or black pepper to make them your own. Trust me, you’ll love them!

Ingredient notes

Find all the ingredients you need at Asian grocery stores or Asian markets. Check the recipe card below for exact measurements!

Ingredients for fried tofu, including egg tofu, tempura flour, RosDee seasoning powder, and white pepper.

Egg tofu – For a plant-based protein, you can substitute firm tofu.
Rosdee seasoning powder – This is a popular Thai seasoning powder made with a mix of salt, sugar, MSG, and spices. If you don’t have this, you can use a bouillon powder like Knorr or any brand you prefer.
White pepper powder
Tempura flour – The best choice for a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have it, all-purpose flour mixed with a pinch of cornstarch works well too.
Oil – Use neutral, high-smoke-point oils like vegetable oil or canola oil for the best results when deep-frying.

How to make fried tofu

Step 1: Stir tempura flour with rosdee seasoning powder and white pepper to create a flavorful coating.

A close-up of tempura flour in a shallow bowl

Step 2: Gently coat the egg tofu with the flour mixture until fully coated.

Sliced egg tofu evenly coated in tempura flour, arranged in a bowl.

Step 3: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by testing with a small piece of batter (it should bubble immediately). Carefully place the coated tofu slices into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

A hand gently placing a flour-coated tofu slice into hot oil for deep frying.

Step 4: Remove the fried tofu and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve your crispy tofu bites with a dipping sauce of your choice, like hot sauce or sweet chili sauce, and an assortiment of fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Dipping sauces: Pair with Thai hot sauce or sweet chili sauce for a quick bite.
With noodles: Serve alongside vegetarian pad Thai, peanut noodles, or pad see ew with chicken for a hearty meal.
As a side with salads: Serve with a refreshing papaya salad or bean salad.
With rice: Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice.
As a wrap filling: Use them in lettuce wraps with herbs and a dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these in an air fryer?

No, egg tofu is too delicate for an air fryer, as the soft texture may break apart during cooking.

How many calories are in fried tofu?

A serving of deep-fried tofu (100 grams) typically contains around 150–200 calories, depending on the oil and coating used.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making these ahead, as they lose their crispiness and are difficult to reheat properly.

Is fried tofu healthy?

Fried tofu can be part of a balanced diet, offering protein and nutrients. However, it’s higher in calories due to the oil, so enjoy it in moderation.

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