Pan Fried Tofu (脆皮豆腐) (2024)

Pan fried tofu is a fun homestyle dish that features meaty tofu bites with a crispy coating and a sweet and sour sauce. Topped on the rice, it is an easy and flavorful way to whip up a vegetarian one-bowl meal that everyone will love! {Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Adaptable}

Pan fried tofu, or Cui Pi Dou Fu, is one of those dishes you probably won’t find on a restaurant menu. It is a simple homestyle dish that people in China like to make in their kitchen.

Tofu is one of those amazing ingredients that can create unique textures in a dish. In this recipe, the tofu pieces are coated with cornstarch then beaten eggs, to create a very special coating that is crispy with a rich taste. It is then finished up with a simple sweet and sour sauce to help you enjoy it with a bowl of rice easily.

Pan fried tofu ingredients

What type of tofu to use

Firm, extra firm and medium tofu all work in pan fried tofu.

If you prefer a meaty texture or if you’re not experienced with handling tofu, I highly recommend using firm or extra firm tofu in this dish.

On the other hand, I like medium tofu because it creates a nice contrast between the crunchy crispy skin and the tender tofu texture. Medium tofu (depending on the brand) can be quite soft and tricky to handle. Try it out only if you’re already familiar with handling softer tofu.

The sauce

The sauce uses a few key Chinese pantry staples – soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar. But there’s another ingredient I’ve added that helps you get that sweet and sour taste, and it’s one you likely have in your fridge to squeeze on top of your burgers or for dipping fries.

Yes, you’ve guessed right…it’s ketchup! And trust me, it makes this sauce a smash hit!

How to make pan fried tofu

1. Coat the tofu piece with cornstarch
2. Dip the coated tofu in beaten eggs
3. Pan fry the tofu
4. Remove the tofu from the pan when golden brown
5. Cook the sauce until it thickens
6. Add the tofu back to finish up

Before making pan fried tofu, it’s important that you gently pat your tofu slices dry with paper towels. This helps soak up the excess moisture, allowing the tofu to get the best texture in the pan. Coating it with cornstarch and then beaten egg further helps you achieve that spectacular crispy exterior while the center stays tender. Make sure you serve it immediately so you can fully enjoy the textures and tastes of this pan fried tofu!

​​Now you can master the art of making tofu with the perfect texture that’s both crispy and meaty all at once. This pan fried tofu is an easy and flavorful way to whip up a vegetarian main dish that everyone will love!

More delicious vegetarian recipes

• Vegetable Pan Fried Noodles
• Summer Vegetable Bibimbap
• Asparagus Salad with Mushroom and Eggs
• Vegetable Fried Rice (蔬菜炒饭)
• Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant