Crispy Hoisin Tofu

Posted Jul 11, 2016, Updated Jul 15, 2024

4.84 from 12 votes

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This crispy hoisin tofu is a quick & easy protein source! Tofu is stir-fried in hoisin sauce making a flavorful dish with the perfect texture!

crispy hoisin tofu on a plate with noodles and stir fried vegetables

This crispy hoisin tofu is a quick and easy, high-protein meal that my entire family loves!

Seriously, everyone from my meat-and-potatoes husband to my sweet baby girl, loves this crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, hoisin sauce-crusted tofu.

Texture is everything to me which is why this tofu is one of my favorites. This tofu is perfectly crispy on all sides and crusted with the most delicious combination of spices and hoisin sauce. Serve it with your favorite stir-fried veggies and fried rice for a delicious dinner.

Side view of crispy tofu with hoisin sauce on a plate with noodles and stir fried veggies.

Crispy Hoisin Tofu: Ingredients & Substitutions

As always I recommend making this recipe exactly as written. But here are a few possible substitutions.

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this Hoisin Tofu Recipe

Extra Firm Tofu: Choose your preferred firmness, just don’t use silken tofu.
Spices: you can adjust these to suit your tastes.
Peanut Oil: If you do not have peanut oil or have a peanut allergy in your family, you can substitute another mild-flavored oil (olive, avocado, canola, etc.), or additional sesame oil.
Hoisin Sauce: Check labels to make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten free if necessary.

tofu with hoisin sauce in a bowl with noodles and stir fry vegetables

How to Make Hoisin Tofu

Let’s walk through how to make crispy hoisin tofu, and don’t forget to watch the video.

First, cut the tofu into ½” cubes.

tofu cut into cubes on a wooden cutting board

Then, combine the spices in a small bowl.

spices for Hoisin Tofu in a bowl before mixing

spices for Hoisin Tofu in a bowl after mixing

Next, cook the tofu in a mixture of peanut & sesame oil until it’s golden brown on one side.

making Hoisin Tofu - cooking tofu in oil in a fry pan

Once the tofu is sufficiently browned on one side, add the seasonings and cook some more, stirring to ensure it is evenly browned.

Then, add the hoisin sauce and cook until it’s nicely crusted and crunchy on the outside.

spice mixture being sprinkled over tofu in a pan

hoisin sauce being drizzled over tofu in a pan

The sauce caramelizes and leaves you with sweet and salty, richly flavored, crispy bites of tofu that you will love so much you won’t want to share.

How to Keep it Crispy

Before you begin cooking the tofu, turn set your oven on to warm. Once the crispy tofu has finished cooking, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and put in the oven while you cook up your veggies.

Overhead view of hoisin tofu in a frying pan.

Serve

This tofu is best when served with your favorite Asian recipes like stir fry vegetables, vegetable lo mein, fried rice, etc. and noodles or rice.

However, I recommend that you serve it separately (i.e. do not add it to the veggies you are stir-frying) to preserve the crispiness.

Overhead view of crispy hoisin tofu on a plate with noodles and stir fried veggies.

Store/Freeze

Store leftover tofu with hoisin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor.

hoisin tofu in a bowl with noodles and vegetables

Hoisin Tofu Recipe FAQs

Why is my tofu not crispy?

It’s possible you didn’t let it brown long enough before adding the spices and sauce. Make usre it is golden brown.

Is tofu a healthy food?

Tofu is great when eaten in moderation. It’s a great vegetarian protein source.

What’s hoisin sauce made of?

It depends on which hoisin sauce you use however the key ingredient is fermented soybean paste.

Overhead view of crispy tofu with hoisin sauce recipe on a white plate over stir fried veggies.

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Overhead view of crispy tofu with hoisin sauce on a plate with noodles and stir fried veggies.

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Crispy Hoisin Tofu

Laura

This crispy hoisin tofu is a quick & easy protein source! Tofu is stir-fried in hoisin sauce making a flavorful dish with the perfect texture!

4.84 from 12 votes

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine asian

Servings Servings

Calories 106.3

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Place your tofu in a fine-mesh strainer or colander and rinse. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, powdered ginger, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cut the tofu into ½” cubes.
Add peanut oil and sesame oil to a non-stick frying pan and heat over medium heat.
Add cubed tofu pieces to the pan and stir to coat with oil.
Cook tofu for 5 minutes or until browned on one side.
Sprinkle with your seasoning mix and stir until coated.
Continue cooking until all sides are light-medium brown. (about 10-15 minutes)
Evenly pour hoisin sauce onto the browned tofu pieces and stir until all your cubes are evenly coated with sauce.
Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the tofu becomes dark brown and crispy.
Remove from heat and serve immediately over stir-fried veggies or your favorite rice/noodles!

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substituions

Extra Firm Tofu: Choose your preferred firmness, just don’t use silken tofu.
Spices: you can adjust these to suit your tastes.
Peanut Oil: If you do not have peanut oil or have a peanut allergy in your family, you can substitute another mild-flavored oil (olive, avocado, canola, etc.), or additional sesame oil.
Hoisin Sauce: Check labels to make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten free if necessary.

Store

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop.

To Keep Tofu Warm

Before you begin cooking the tofu, turn set your oven on to warm. Once the tofu has finished cooking, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and put in the oven.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Crispy Hoisin Tofu

Crispy Hoisin Tofu: Ingredients & Substitutions

How to Make Hoisin Tofu

How to Keep it Crispy

Serve

Store/Freeze

Hoisin Tofu Recipe FAQs