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How To Stir-Fry Tofu

Published on August 02, 2026
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How To Stir-Fry Tofu
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 Servings

stir-fried tofu is not, perhaps, at the top of your list of scintillating weeknight dinners. But in its own humble, unassuming way, tofu can be downright sexy. Give it some time by itself in a hot wok, and you’ll get golden edges and bouncy texture that will surprise you with its ability to make you swoon

Ingredients

  • 14 to 16 ounces (1 standard block) extra-firm or firm tofu
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable or peanut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Chef's knife
  • Paper towels
  • 14-inch flat bottomed carbon steel wok or skillet capable of high-heat cooking (not nonstick)
  • Wok spatula, fish spatula, or another spatula with a thin, metal blade

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and rinse it under cold water.
  2. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes or slices.
  3. Press the tofu: Place 2 to 3 layers of paper towel on a dinner plate or cutting board. Lay the tofu on top in a single layer and top with another 2 to 3 layers of paper towel. Weigh it down with a skillet or with another dinner plate topped with something heavy. Press for at least 20 minutes, or place in the fridge and press for a few hours. Replace the paper towels as needed if they become soaked.
  4. Heat the wok: Set your wok or skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two of contact.
  5. Add the oil: Pour oil down the side of the pan. Swirl to coat the bottom and lower sides of the wok evenly.
  6. Cook the tofu about 1 minute: Add the tofu to the wok and spread it into a single layer. Cook without stirring for about 1 minute, so the bottoms begin to brown.
  7. Stir-fry the tofu 1 more minute: Sprinkle the tofu with the salt, then stir-fry, moving the tofu quickly but gently around the pan. Don't worry if some of the tofu crumbles — this is normal.
  8. Serve the tofu while hot: Transfer the tofu to a serving dish. Serve immediately on its own, or stir-fry your other ingredients and add the tofu back to the wok at the very end once stir-frying is almost complete. Serve while hot.

Recipe Stats

  • Aug 02, 2026
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Servings: 4 Servings
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