Crispy Tofu Patties with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Welcome back to another REALISTIC DINNER episode featuring ingredients I already have in the fridge.

Today we are making Crispy Tofu Patties featuring a Creamy Cilantro Sauce. These golden-brown crispy tofu patties offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside.

When paired with the creamy, slightly spicy cilantro sauce, this combo tastes perfect, served as a burger patty or on top of salads. Even my husband, who usually doesn’t like plant-based dishes, was RAVING about these delicious crispy tofu patties and asking for seconds! 

Crispy tofu patties combine the delicate texture of tofu with a golden crust that brings a delightful crunch to each bite.

I added chopped cabbage, shredded potato, cornstarch, and cheese to use up all the ingredients I had in the fridge while adding more fiber and nutrients. These ingredients help mold the shape together, creating a flavorful contrast from the crispy exterior with the tender, cheesy, moist interior.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these patties are a fantastic choice for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Let’s talk about the creamy cilantro sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy tofu patties.

I blended cilantro, garlic, lime juice, mayo, jalapeno, and salt and pepper. You can play around with the ratio depending on how spicy the sauce is. For a healthier alternative, you can swap mayo with Greek yogurt, or if you are plant-based, swap with vegan mayo. 

Here are a few simple tricks to making the perfect crispy tofu patties. 

#1 Selecting the Right Tofu 

Opt for medium-firm or firm tofu, as they have a higher protein content and a denser texture, which helps maintain the patty’s shape during cooking. Optional, press the tofu to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and placing a heavy object on top. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the towels to absorb the moisture.

#2 Binding the Mixture

Once the tofu is pressed, add chopped cabbage, grated potato, cheese, cornstarch, and eggs into the bowl. Using your hands, crumble everything into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more cohesive the patty will be. Alternatively, you can pulse everything in a food processor for a smoother texture, but I prefer the texture of the chopped cabbage. 

#3 Flavorful Seasonings

In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled tofu with various flavorful seasonings. This can include minced garlic, chopped onions, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, ground cumin, smoked paprika, or other herbs and spices that suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your unique flavor profile.

#4 Cooking Methods

There are various methods to cook crispy tofu patties. You can pan-fry them in a non-stick skillet with a small amount of oil until they turn golden brown on both sides. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven or air fryer on a greased baking sheet at around 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. I prefer pan-frying as I find it to be the most crispy! 

Do you want more Plant Based Recipes? Here are some of my go-to tofu recipes that you will love!

• Spicy Popcorn Tofu (20 Minutes Only!)
• Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Tofu (20 Minutes!)
• Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew – Sundubu Jjigae
• Vegetarian Mapo Tofu (20 Minutes)

Ingredients 

• ¼ cabbage, chopped 
• 1 potato, peeled and grated 
• 1 medium-firm or firm tofu (450g) 
• 1 egg (optional) 
• ¼ – ½ cup of cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cornstarch  
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper 
• ¼ teaspoon paprika 

Creamy cilantro sauce 

• 1 small bunch of cilantro (around 2 cups) 
• 1 lime
• 4 cloves of garlic 
• ½ cup mayo 

1. In a bowl, add chopped cabbage, grated potato, tofu, egg, cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Massage well while breaking apart the tofu. You are looking for a paste-like consistency. 
2. Using your hands, form the tofu into patties of your desired size; I have around 3-4 tablespoons per patty. 
3. Drizzle oil in a pan, and turn the heat to medium. Once the pan is hot, add in the patties, and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden brown. Keep in mind this timing depends on the size of your patties. 
4. The sauce blend cilantro, lime, garlic, and mayo. Season with salt and pepper, and blend till a smooth consistency. 
5. Drizzle the sauce ontop of the patties, and enjoy!

Print

Crispy Tofu Patties featuring a Creamy Cilantro Sauce

These golden-brown crispy tofu patties offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. When paired with the creamy, slightly spicy cilantro sauce, this combo tastes perfect, served as a burger patty or on top of salads.

Prep Time10 mins

Active Time10 mins

Keyword: 20 Minute Recipes, Appetizers, Asian Recipe Easy, crispy tofu, dinner Ideas, Easy Recipes, plant based recipe, summer recipe, Tofu, tofu recipe, VEGETARIAN, Vegetarian Recipes

Materials

• ¼ cabbage chopped
• 1 potato peeled and grated
• 1 medium-firm or firm tofu 450g, drained and pat dry
• 1 egg optional
• ¼ – ½ cup of cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Creamy cilantro sauce

• 1 small bunch of cilantro around 2 cups
• 1 lime
• 4 cloves of garlic
• ½ cup mayo
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

• In a bowl, add chopped cabbage, grated potato, tofu, egg, cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Massage well while breaking apart the tofu. You are looking for a paste-like consistency.
• Using your hands, form the tofu into patties of your desired size; I have around 3-4 tablespoons per patty.
• Drizzle oil in a pan, and turn the heat to medium. Once the pan is hot, add in the patties, and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden brown. Keep in mind this timing depends on the size of your patties.
• The sauce blend cilantro, lime, garlic, and mayo. Season with salt and pepper, and blend till a smooth consistency.
• Drizzle the sauce ontop of the patties, and enjoy!