Fried Tofu is a popular Thai street food that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve with sweet chili peanut sauce for a satisfying snack or a winning start to any Thai meal.

There's a reason Fried Tofu can be found on just about every street corner in Thailand, and in just about every Thai restaurant in the western world. Two reasons, actually.

First, it's super easy to make. If you can cut some tofu into triangles and heat a pot of oil, you can make fried tofu! The other reason it's so popular is that it's delicious. Once fried, the tofu develops a wonderfully crispy exterior while the inside stays silky smooth. Served with a sweet chili peanut dipping sauce, it's hard to resist.

Fortunately these same reasons make Fried Tofu a perfect Thai appetizer to make at home too.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Storage
Recipe

Ingredients

You need only Tofu and Oil to make the Deep Fried Tofu. The Dipping Sauce requires a few more ingredients, but fortunately all are likely already in your pantry or easily available at local stores.

Tofu: Firm or extra firm tofu holds up the best to deep frying. Press the block of tofu between two paper towels to remove excess water, then cut into large triangles (or rectangles or squares) for deep frying.
Oil: Any mild-flavored oil that has a high smoke point will work for deep frying tofu. Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are all good choices.
Salt: Since tofu itself is not very flavorful, it's important to sprinkle a little salt on it as soon as it comes out of the hot oil.
Water: Water and sugar will be combined to make a simple syrup as the base of the dipping sauce.
Sugar: White granulated sugar works well to make the simple syrup base.
Vinegar: White distilled vinegar adds the sour component to the dipping sauce.
Dried chili flakes: Dried chili flakes add a bit of heat to this sweet and sour dipping sauce. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
Roasted peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a delicious toasted nutty flavor to the dipping sauce. You can buy roasted peanuts, or roast them yourself.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh herb flavor to the dipping sauce. If you're making the sauce ahead of time, save the cilantro and add it right before you serve it.

Instructions

To Make Dipping Sauce:

Combine the water, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid thickens slightly.

Let the sauce cool and then stir in the dried red chili flakes. Right before you’re ready to serve, top the sauce with the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro leaves.

To Make Fried Tofu:

Cut the block of firm tofu into 8 large cubes by making three cuts horizontally and one cut down the center of the tofu block, vertically. Then cut each cube in half to make 16 equally-sized triangular tofu wedges. Dry the tofu wedges by allowing them to rest on paper towels.

Heat a pot of canola oil over high heat until the oil reaches 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower the tofu wedges into the hot oil and allow them to fry for several minutes, turning the pieces occasionally with long tongs.

The tofu is ready when it is golden brown on all sides. Place the fried tofu on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while the tofu is still warm.

Serve the fried tofu with the freshly prepared chili dipping sauce for a spicy and sour accompaniment.

Variations

Thai Fried Tofu is usually served with the sweet and sour peanut dipping sauce presented in this recipe. However, if you'd prefer a creamier dipping sauce, you could substitute this for the the Peanut Sauce that is meant to accompany Satay (Nam Jim Satay). This coconut milk based sauce is rich and creamy, and also works really well with Fried Tofu.

Storage

I have to be honest, we don't ever have leftover Fried Tofu in our house. However, if you wind up with some leftovers, it can be kept in the fridge for several days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes. The dipping sauce can likewise be saved, although it's best to save it without the cilantro and peanuts added. When you're ready to serve it again, simply add these two ingredients back in.

If you're just being introduced to the wonderful world of Thai food, fried tofu is a great place to start. It's not as adventurous as some Thai appetizers like miang kham or pork toast, but it's enough of a stretch from the western palate to feel a little daring.

So grab a block of firm tofu and enjoy this yummy Thai street food tonight. If you're feeling energetic, pair it with an aromatic yellow curry and delectable mango sticky rice, and there's really no need to go out!

Recipe