Golden, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these nori-wrapped tofu squares are pan-fried to perfection. With a satisfying umami kick from the seaweed and a tender tofu center, they make a delicious appetizer, snack, or addition to rice bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crispy Nori-Wrapped Tofu Bites are a flavorful and satisfying treat that combines the delicate texture of tofu with the crispiness of a nori wrap. The tofu is coated in a simple batter, pan-fried until golden and crispy, and then enhanced by the umami flavor of the seaweed. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or paired with rice or vegetables, these bites offer a delightful contrast of textures—crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re vegan, easy to prepare, and packed with protein, making them an ideal choice for anyone craving a savory, plant-based snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Oil for shallow frying
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Directions
- Wrap each tofu square with a strip of nori, sealing the edges with a dab of water to secure the seaweed in place.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, water, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt to form a smooth batter.
- Dip each nori-wrapped tofu square into the batter, letting any excess drip off.
- Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the tofu pieces until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried tofu to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), and chili flakes (if using).
- Serve the crispy tofu bites hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
- Spicy: Add chili flakes to the batter for a spicier tofu bite or drizzle sriracha over the top before serving.
- Herbed: Add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the batter for added flavor.
- Sauce options: Serve with other dipping sauces like peanut sauce, tamari, or hoisin sauce for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover tofu bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or heat them in a pan over low heat to retain their crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?
Firm tofu works best for this recipe as it holds its shape better during frying. Soft tofu will likely fall apart.
Can I bake these tofu bites instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Place the batter-coated tofu bites on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Can I use different seasonings for the batter?
Yes, feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Try adding ginger powder, five-spice powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.
What can I serve these tofu bites with?
These tofu bites are great on their own with a dipping sauce, or you can serve them with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a grain bowl for a complete meal.
How long will the dipping sauce last?
The dipping sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil suitable for frying, such as vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.
Can I use pre-made nori sheets for sushi?
Yes, you can use sushi nori sheets. Just cut them into strips as needed to wrap the tofu.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use rice flour, chickpea flour, or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Can I make these tofu bites ahead of time?
For the best texture, it’s best to fry them fresh. However, you can prep the tofu and batter ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Conclusion
These Crispy Nori-Wrapped Tofu Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and umami-rich flavors. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful appetizer, snack, or a unique addition to your rice bowl, these tofu bites are sure to impress. With their crispy exterior, tender tofu center, and the delicious hint of nori, this dish is both satisfying and full of vibrant flavor. Paired with a simple dipping sauce, it’s a tasty, plant-powered treat that will quickly become a favorite!
Crispy Nori-Wrapped Tofu Bites
Golden, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these nori-wrapped tofu squares are pan-fried to perfection. With a satisfying umami kick from the seaweed and a tender tofu center, they make a delicious appetizer, snack, or addition to rice bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Oil for shallow frying
- Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wrap each tofu square with a strip of nori, sealing with a dab of water to secure.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt to make a smooth batter.
- Dip each nori-wrapped tofu square into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Shallow fry tofu pieces until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with the optional dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double coat the tofu by dipping it in the batter and then back into the flour mixture.
- To make the dipping sauce spicier, add more chili flakes to taste.
- These tofu bites can be served with rice, noodles, or added to salads for a protein-packed dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg