Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu Recipe
This Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu recipe delivers a flavorful, protein-packed vegetarian dish featuring extra-firm tofu marinated in a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and fresh ginger. Perfectly pan-fried until golden and caramelized, this tofu is garnished with fresh green onions for a bright finish. Ideal as a main or side dish, it balances sweet, tangy, and umami notes making it a versatile addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 to 16 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained
Marinade
- 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
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Cut the drained tofu into ⅓ inch thick triangular slices and arrange them in a large casserole dish to prepare for marinating.
- Make Marinade and Marinate: In a medium bowl, mix minced garlic, soy sauce, thinly sliced green onions, lemon juice, brown sugar, grated ginger, and water thoroughly to create the marinade. Pour this mixture evenly over the tofu slices. Let the tofu marinate for at least two hours, or preferably overnight for a deeper flavor, flipping halfway through marination to ensure even absorption.
- Pan-Fry Tofu: Heat a large sauté pan over high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Carefully place tofu slices in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook until the bottom side is golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for about 2 minutes.
- Finish Cooking with Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade mixture into the pan with the tofu and cook until the tofu darkens slightly, about 45 seconds. Flip the slices and repeat cooking with the marinade to fully coat and caramelize the tofu pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tofu from the pan, garnish with additional thinly sliced green onions, and serve hot for a delicious, flavorful vegetarian dish.
Notes
- For best texture, press tofu before marinating to remove excess moisture.
- Marinate tofu longer for richer flavors, up to overnight.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent tofu from sticking.
- Adjust soy sauce and brown sugar based on your preferred level of saltiness and sweetness.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: pan-fried tofu, garlic tofu, vegetarian tofu recipe, Asian tofu recipe, savory tofu marinade
Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/pan-fried-garlic-tofu-recipe/
