Extra-Crispy Tofu Smoky Taco

Step 1 · Press, tear and dry

Press the 350 g Soyganic Organic Extra-Firm Tofu block for 15–30 minutes, then blot very dry. Tear into irregular bite-size chunks for maximum craggy surface area, or cut into cubes.

• 350 gExtra Firm Tofu, 1 Soyganic Organic Extra-Firm Tofu block; pressed dry

Step 2 · Tofu + pre-coat

Toss the dried tofu gently with the pre-coat ingredients: 4.5 g soy sauce and 4.5 g avocado oil, until the surface is just tacky.

• 4.5 gSoy Sauce, just under 1 tsp; pre-coat
• 4.5 gAvocado Oil, just under 1 tsp; pre-coat

Step 3 · Crispy coating

For the crispy coating, mix 21 g cornstarch, 2 g smoked paprika, 1 g ground cumin, 1 g ground coriander, 2.6 g garlic powder, 0.25 g cayenne pepper (optional but recommended), 2.6 g fine salt, 1.75 g baking powder (optional but recommended). Toss with the tofu until thoroughly coated.

• 21 gCornstarch
• 2 gSmoked Paprika, suggested starting amount
• 1 gGround Cumin, suggested starting amount
• 1 gGround Coriander, suggested starting amount
• 2.6 gGarlic Powder
• 0.3 gCayenne Pepper, suggested starting amount; adjust to taste
• 2.6 gFine Salt
• 1.8 gBaking Powder, optional but recommended

Step 4 · Rest the coating

Rest for 5 minutes so the coating hydrates slightly and grips the tofu.

Step 5 · Cooking: heat the pan

Heat 26–39 g avocado oil in a wide frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in one layer with plenty of space; work in batches if needed.

Step 6 · Fry until deeply golden

Leave the tofu completely alone for 2–3 minutes before flipping. Continue until deeply golden on most sides, roughly 10–14 minutes total. Let the crust release naturally before turning.

Step 7 · Cooking: steam finish

Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Add 13–26 g water reserved for the steam finish and immediately cover. Keep covered for 30–45 seconds.

• Water, for the steam finish only

Step 8 · Re-crisp

Uncover, return to medium-high heat and cook until all moisture has gone and the crust has re-crisped, about 30–60 seconds.

Step 9 · To finish

Prepare lime wedges if using. This variation omits the sticky garlic–soy glaze. Serve with your choice of avocado, salsa, slaw or tortillas.

• Lime, wedges, to taste

Step 10 · Finish and serve

Turn off the heat once the tofu has re-crisped. Add a squeeze of lime if desired and serve immediately with your chosen taco accompaniments.

• Lime, wedges, to taste