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Shredded Tofu Recipe + How-To 🧈

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This Shredded Tofu Recipe is an easy and fun way to cook tofu in less than 10 minutes. It's low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect at mimicking shredded chicken. It's also an ideal plant-based protein alternative to your favorite dishes. Think bowls, salads, tacos, casseroles, stir-fries, and more! So, let's make crispy tofu with the most simple cooking steps!

crispy tofu shredded in a cast-iron skillet
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Wondering Is Tofu Keto? Yes, it certainly is. Our detailed post will give you an in-depth insight into tofu being keto-friendly!

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this shredded tofu recipe is a cakewalk. All you do is shred the tofu and fry it in a cast-iron skillet until crispy and golden brown. Within 10 minutes, you will have this dish ready on your dining table.

Chef's note

You can season the recipe as per your preference. For example, add some cumin seeds and smoked paprika during the last minute of cooking for a Mexican-style flair. If you want an Asian touch, toss in white pepper and a pinch of chili flakes. You can also add soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🧈 Ingredients for this shredded tofu recipe

Here is an ingredient list to make this grated tofu recipe at home:

  • 1 pound extra-firm tofu, pressed (we like Hodo)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Note: Our go-to tofu is Hodo, as it's simply the best option for any recipe that needs firm tofu. It is organic and pre-pressed, so you can skip pressing it.

Hodo tofu packaging

Ingredient substitutions

  • Avocado oil: If you don't have avocado oil, use an equal amount of coconut oil.
  • Hodo tofu: If you can't find Hodo, you can start with an extra-firm tofu block and press it to get all the extra liquid out.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavor profile of the dish with these optional additions:

  • Spices: Sprinkle spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder for an added kick when seasoning the tofu with salt.
  • Garlic: Mince a clove or two, and sauté it in the skillet before adding the tofu. Alternatively, you can add half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Onion: Add some finely chopped green onions or shallots to the mix for a subtle, savory note.
  • Cheese: Top your crispy tofu with some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for a tangy note.
  • Sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds at the last minute of cooking the shredded tofu.

Cooking tools required

To make shredded tofu recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Box grater or cheese grater
  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: Use a large non-stick frying pan if you don't have a cast-iron skillet.
shredded tofu being picked up by tongs

How to cook shredded tofu: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all your ingredients.
  2. If you are not using Hodo's tofu, use a tofu press to remove as much moisture as possible from your extra-firm tofu. Alternatively, you can sandwich the block of tofu between two plates. Place a heavy object like a cast iron skillet or heavy pot on top to press down the tofu.

Cooking steps

  1. Using a box grater, firmly press the tofu on the large round holes while slowly moving down.
  2. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Once hot, add the tofu to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
  4. Using a spatula, scrap up the tofu and gently stir.
  5. Cook another minute or two until the pan is mostly dry. Season with salt and use in a recipe of your choice.
  • Hodo tofu block on a plate
  • shredded tofu on a cutting board with a box grater behind it
  • shredded tofu in a white bowl

Chef's pro tip

Ensure you have very firm tofu on hand. Otherwise, it will simply fall apart when shredding or cooking. Also, avoid stirring the tofu shreds often. If you want that beautiful, mouth-watering crust, you must let the tofu cook undisturbed.

What can you use crispy shredded tofu for?

You can pair this shredded tofu with many recipes and use it as the following options:

  • Meat alternatives: Swap the shredded chicken for shredded tofu in delicious recipes like the Chicken Tinga and Tinga Stuffed Poblanos.
  • Toppings: Shredded tofu goes great in Asian-style stir-fries, noodle dishes, raw salads, soups, and much more.
  • Fillings: Use the shredded tofu as fillings for Lettuce Wraps, tacos, and burrito bowls. You can even use it as a main ingredient for all sorts of tofu dishes.

How to make it healthier?

  • Buy organic tofu if it is available in your grocery market.
  • Reduce the amount of sea salt to keep our sodium levels in check.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-pressed tofu like Hodo's to save some preparation time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Tofu shreds: Shred your tofu beforehand and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
an enameled cast iron skillet filled with crispy shredded tofu

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Once cooled, store the shredded tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the leftover tofu in a microwave-safe dish and heat it for about 1-2 minutes. Be sure to stir midway for even heating.
  • Stove: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a touch of oil, and sauté the tofu for a few minutes until it's hot and crispy again.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

With its versatility, texture, and nutritious protein punch, this Shredded Tofu Recipe is set to become a staple in your keto repertoire. You can use it as a topping or base for tacos, salads, grain bowls, and more. Once you try this simple recipe, you'll know how easy it is to incorporate a tasty dish into the keto diet!

an enameled cast iron skillet filled with crispy shredded tofu

Looking for more plant-based recipes? Here are some delicious keto vegan recipes!

Frequently asked questions

If you're wondering if tofu is keto-friendly, the answer is a resounding YES! It's low in carbs, packed with protein and healthy fats, and versatile (we'll say that until the day we die).

We recommend you enjoy the shredded tofu fresh or refrigerated. Freezing will affect the texture and make it mushy upon thawing.

If your tofu isn't getting crispy, it could be due to excess moisture, low cooking temperature, or the wrong type of tofu. Make sure to thoroughly press your tofu to remove water and cook at medium-high heat for the best results.

Firmly push a tofu block onto the large holes of a box grater, moving down slowly to get the long strips.

Yes, this recipe is both vegetarian and vegan. It uses tofu, a plant-based protein, and doesn't include animal products.

Yes, shredded tofu is an excellent option for meal prep. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for preparing meals in advance.

📖 Recipe

an enameled cast iron skillet filled with crispy shredded tofu

Crispy Shredded Tofu

This shredded tofu recipe is an easy and fun way to cook tofu! We'll show you how to make it in less than 10 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Keto Tofu, shredded tofu, vegan
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 249kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound extra-firm tofu pressed (we like Hodo)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Using a box grater, firmly press the tofu on the large round holes while slowly moving down.
  • Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once hot, add the tofu to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
  • Using a spatula, scrap up the tofu and gently stir.
  • Cook another minute or two until the pan is mostly dry. Season with salt and use in a recipe of your choice.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Crispy Shredded Tofu
Amount Per Serving
Calories 249 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Sodium 724mg31%
Potassium 349mg10%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 17g34%
Calcium 71mg7%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie Ahlers says

    Could use shredded tofu for “Sloppy Joes.”

    Reply

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