Chile Cornmeal Crusted Tofu

Crispy, golden, and packed with bold flavors, Chile Cornmeal Crusted Tofu is a mouthwatering plant-based recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Extra-firm tofu is coated in a crunchy, seasoned cornmeal crust infused with chili powder, paprika, garlic, and cumin, creating an irresistible balance of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Thanks to a simple dredging process and quick skillet frying, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Serve these crispy tofu slabs or cubes with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch. Whether you're a tofu enthusiast or just exploring plant-based protein recipes, this dish is sure to add excitement to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz) Extra-firm tofu
• 0.75 cup Cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 cup Non-dairy milk
• 0.3 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Oil (for frying)
• 1 whole (optional for serving) Lime wedges
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional for garnish) Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Start by pressing the tofu. Remove it from its packaging, drain any liquid, and place it between two clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Set a heavy object (like a skillet or books) on top and let it press for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

While the tofu is pressing, prepare the seasoning mixture. In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornmeal, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin until evenly combined.

Step 3

In a separate shallow dish, pour the non-dairy milk. Place the all-purpose flour on a third shallow plate. You'll have three stations for coating the tofu.

Step 4

Slice the pressed tofu into rectangular slabs or bite-sized cubes, depending on your preference.

Step 5

Take each tofu piece and coat it by dredging first in the flour, then dipping into the non-dairy milk, and finally pressing it into the cornmeal mixture to form an even, crispy layer. Repeat for all tofu pieces and place them on a plate.

Step 6

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Test the heat by adding a small pinch of the cornmeal mixture into the skillet; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 7

Add the crusted tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

Once cooked, transfer the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Serve hot with lime wedges for a burst of acidity and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(798.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1872.5

Total Fat 99.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1459.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.9g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 79.0g	0%

Vitamin D 48.8IU	0%
Calcium 2941.5mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 1411.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.6%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 36.9%