By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 3, 2026
Serves 4
213 cal · 15 min
Panko Fried Tofu
Recipe GLPR2a6ee08e73009f
Crispy golden panko-coated tofu pieces fried until crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. A quick, satisfying vegetarian main course with an Asian-inspired preparation.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 egg
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
Drain the tofu block and wrap it in clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Place on a plate and press down with a weight (such as a heavy pan) for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into 8 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches thick.
Set up three shallow bowls or plates. In the first, place the flour. In the second, crack the egg and beat it well. In the third, spread the panko breadcrumbs.
Working with one tofu piece at a time, coat it lightly in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere. Place the coated piece on a clean plate.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the panko-coated tofu pieces in a single layer.
Fry for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Carefully flip each piece and fry the other side for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Comments
Tofu and panko are standard at every Charlotte grocery chain, making this a no-detour recipe that costs roughly $1.50 to $2.00 per serving depending on tofu brand. The fifteen-minute claim is honest for the cooking itself, but factor in pressing the tofu if it's not extra-firm, which adds another ten minutes for best results. It's a solid weeknight protein that reheats adequately in a skillet, though it loses some crispness, and works well over rice or in a grain bowl for leftovers.
Sign in or create a free account to add your review.
