How to cook tofu without burning?

I've been trying to eat tofu lately (not using much oil to cook it) and I don't mind it, my only problem is that I can't seem to cook it without burning the pan and setting the smoke alarms off (twice!!). The actual tofu turns out ok but the pan comes out pretty blackened and hard to clean.

Thanks.

Best Answer

If it is firm tofu: Don't use not much oil to cook it. If you want to get by with using very little oil, bake it - but cover it in either SOME oil or marinade.

For frying, shallow or deep frying (warning: press the water out well before deep frying!) simply yields better results than sauteeing, unless the tofu is crumbled or cut very finely (which gives more of a minced meat texture).

If it is soft tofu, consider boiling it in a sauce (like in mapo dofu), or even serving it steamed/raw with a sauce (check if you variety is safe to consume raw) as is not infrequently done as a japanese style desert.

If you are looking for recipes that work well with firm tofu, check indian recipes that involve paneer cheese - most of them can be easily adapted to make great tofu dishes.

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Quick Answer about "How to cook tofu without burning?"

Add the olive oil to a non-stick pan and add the tofu cubes and a few pinches kosher salt. Turn on the heat to medium-high. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. Briefly remove the pan from the heat to reduce spitting.

How do you cook tofu without burning it?

If it is firm tofu: Don't use not much oil to cook it. If you want to get by with using very little oil, bake it - but cover it in either SOME oil or marinade. For frying, shallow or deep frying (warning: press the water out well before deep frying!)

How should tofu be cooked?

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add tofu to the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Allow tofu to cook, undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy.

How long does it take to cook tofu on the stove?

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.

Place the tofu in a single layer on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until desired crispiness. You may have to work in batches.

Is it better to pan fry or bake tofu?

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

How to Make Tofu Taste Good | Minimalist Baker Recipes

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Images: Quang Nguyen Vinh, Quang Nguyen Vinh, murat esibatir, Ella Olsson