Pan-fried Tofu with Dark Sweet Soy Sauce

Extra firm tofu is pan-fried until golden brown and crispy, then is tossed with a sweet and spicy dark soy sauce. This tofu recipe is delicious on top of a bowl of rice or can be served as an appetizer.

Featured image for pan fried tofu in a blue and white bowl.

If you love easy dinners, then this crispy tofu coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. This Pan-Fried Tofu recipe with Dark Sweet Soy Sauce is my family's favorite way to enjoy tofu, and I have found that even the tofu skeptics will love it!

Up close images of pan fried tofu in a dark sweet and spicy soy sauce with red peppers and jalapenos.

Jump to:

❤️ Why you'll love it
🥘 Ingredients
🔪 How to make pan-fried tofu
🥄 Equipment
🥫Storage
📖 Variations
💭 Tips
🙋 FAQ's
📚 Tofu Recipes
🍽 Serve with...
🏫 The last word
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

Plant-based protein: tofu, also known as bean curd, is a great source of plant-based protein.

Easy recipe: this pan fry tofu recipe is easy to make and is a delicious way to make tofu for the tofu fan.

Simple ingredients: just a few simple ingredients are needed to make the sweet and spicy sauce that coats the tofu.

Cutting firm tofu into triangular shape.

🥘 Ingredients

Extra firm tofu block: you want to use a tofu that has a firm texture. I prefer extra-firm tofu, but just firm tofu would work.

Dark soy sauce: this is a Chinese soy sauce that is thicker than regular soy sauce due to the processing method.

Honey: to sweeten and balance out flavor.

Rice vinegar: adds acid to the sauce to assist in balancing out the flavors.

Sambal oelek: this is a ground fresh chili paste used often in asian recipes and adds spicy heat to a dish. Use as much or little as you wish to get the desired heat level.

Olive oil

Sesame oil

Garlic cloves

Jalapeno pepper

Red bell pepper

Green onions: for garnish

Sesame seeds: for garnish

Crispy General Tso's Tofu pieces browning in a hot skillet.

🔪 How to make pan-fried tofu

In small bowl combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste using a fork or hand whisk. Set aside.
Cut the drained tofu into desired shape. I like to cut into triangles by cutting the brick in half, then cutting each half into square pieces. Cut each square piece diagonally for a triangle.
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until hot. Add oil to coat the surface of the hot skillet and add place tofu pieces in hot oil in a single layer. Turn burner down to medium-high heat and cook tofu on each side for 2-3 minutes, until tofu is crispy and golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel.
Drain all but 1 tablespoon of hot oil from the skillet and return to medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant about 15-30 seconds.
Pour in the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 seconds. Sauce will thicken as it simmer. Place pieces of tofu into sauce mixture and toss to coat.
Garnish with fresh chili and green onion slices.

Sauteeing red bell peppers, jalapeno, and garlic in a cast iron skillet.

Dark sweet and spicy soy sauce glaze in cast iron pan.

🥄 Equipment

Small bowl

Cast iron skillet: I like how even the heat is when using cast iron, as well as how well the pan holds the heat. A regular large skillet can be used if you don't have cast iron.

Tofu press: or paper towels and heavy plates to squeeze the excess water from the tofu.

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Overhead image of pan fried tofu in a serving bowl.

🥫Storage

Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.

Reheat: warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

📖 Variations

Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce or peanut sauce for the sweet and spicy dark tofu sauce.

💭 Tips

To get the best crispy pan-fried tofu, be sure to press tofu to remove any excess water. You can use a tofu press, or place tofu between paper towels and sit a heavy object on top of the tofu and let sit for 30 minutes, changing paper towels halfway through, if needed.
For extra crispy tofu, dip tofu pieces in a small amount of potato starch before frying.
Tofu slices should release themselves from the bottom of the pan when they are ready to flip.

Pan Fried Tofu in a blue and white serving bowl.

🙋 FAQ's

What's the difference between silken tofu and regular tofu?

Silken tofu has a soft consistency and it falls apart easily and usually comes in shelf stable containers. It is best for making smoothies or puddings. Regular tofu can be purchased from soft tofu to extra-firm tofu has a much firmer consistency than silken tofu.

📚 Tofu Recipes

Mom's Tofu Scramble can be made with soft or firm tofu, and it is a great recipe for those who are looking to replace eggs in their diet.

These Tofu Burgers are one of my family favorites!

Marinated Tofu Salad makes a delicious portable lunch!

If you are looking for a bowlful of flavor, then you need to make this delicious Coconut Curry Tofu Bowl.

Red and White Cauliflower Bake is a delicious vegan casserole the whole family will love.

🍽 Serve with...

Serve pan-fried tofu with a bowl of rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.

🏫 The last word

There are different ways to cut the tofu, you can cut it into triangles like I do, or into tofu cubes that are square or rectangular. Feel free to cut the tofu into any shape you desire, however, be sure the pieces are no thicker than ½ inch thick.

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When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

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📖 Recipe