Name: Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish; Juice of 1 small lemon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

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Introduction

This Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu is a savory, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying vegetarian option. Marinated in a tangy soy-lemon mixture with garlic and ginger, the tofu achieves a deliciously caramelized finish when pan-fried. It’s an easy recipe that brings bold flavors and a lovely texture to your plate.

The image shows a white plate filled with several thick triangular pieces of golden-brown grilled tofu arranged in a slightly overlapping row. The tofu has a shiny, glazed surface covered in a rich, dark brown sauce with visible bits of cooked green onions and garlic. Freshly sliced green onion rings are sprinkled on top, adding bright green pops of color against the warm, caramelized tofu. Some sauce pools around the tofu on the plate, creating a glossy, appetizing look. A fork with a wooden handle rests near the tofu on the right side of the plate, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 to 16 ounces of extra-firm tofu, drained
2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons of soy sauce
3 stalks of green onion, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish

Juice of 1 small lemon
2 tablespoons of brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup of water
2 tablespoons of oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the tofu into ⅓ inch thick triangular slices and place them in a large casserole dish. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, sliced green onion, lemon juice, brown sugar, grated ginger, and water until well combined. Pour this marinade over the tofu slices. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least two hours, flipping the pieces halfway through; for best flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 3: Heat a large sauté pan over high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Place as many tofu slices as fit in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is browned, then flip and cook the other side for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Pour in some of the marinade into the pan and cook until the tofu darkens slightly, about 45 seconds. Flip the tofu again and repeat this step. Continue cooking until the tofu is well caramelized and coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish with additional thinly sliced green onion before serving.

Tips & Variations

Press the tofu with a tofu press or wrapped in a towel and weighted for 15-30 minutes before slicing to remove excess moisture and improve texture.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to keep the tofu crispy and flavorful. Avoid storing the tofu in the marinade to prevent it from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows several thick triangular slices of grilled tofu stacked on top of each other on a white plate, covered in a shiny brown sauce with bits of cooked onions scattered across and around them. Bright green, thinly sliced scallions are sprinkled on top and around as garnish. The tofu has clear grill marks and a slightly browned, crispy texture on the edges, resting in a pool of savory sauce. The background features a soft, white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?

While extra-firm tofu holds up best for pan-frying, firm tofu can be used if extra-firm is unavailable. Just be sure to press it thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent crumbling.

Do I have to marinate the tofu overnight?

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but a minimum of two hours will still result in tasty tofu. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add some flavor, though less intense.