Tofu Square

Tofu Square is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 1100 calories per serving. Recipe by YourMayores Food on YouTube.

Prep: 48 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 1 hr 16 min

Cost: $27.36 total, $6.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 400 g Firm Black Tofu (pressed and cut into 2‑inch squares)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for coating, sifted)
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Magic Sarap Seasoning (Filipino all‑purpose seasoning (or MSG))
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for shallow or deep frying)
  • 2 tbsp Liver Spread (Filipino liver pâté, e.g., Renault)
  • 250 g Mayonnaise
  • 250 g All‑Purpose Cream (heavy cream or all‑purpose cream)
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (or calamansi juice)
  • 8 large Lettuce Leaves (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu

    Pat the tofu dry, then cut it into 2‑inch square pieces. Place the squares on a slightly damp tray so the seasoning sticks.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Season and Flour Coat

    Sprinkle the tofu squares evenly with salt, black pepper, and Magic Sarap. Then roll each piece in sifted all‑purpose flour, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Egg Wash and Second Flour Coat

    In a bowl, beat the two eggs. Dip each flour‑coated tofu square into the egg, then roll again in flour for a double coating.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Rest the Breading

    Arrange the coated tofu squares on a clean plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest for 20 minutes so the breading adheres.

    Time: PT20M

  5. Heat the Oil

    Add vegetable oil to the pan (enough to cover half the tofu height) and heat over medium‑high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Fry the Tofu Squares

    Carefully place the tofu squares in the hot oil. Fry 3‑4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Drain Excess Oil

    Remove the fried tofu with tongs and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Dressing

    In a mixing bowl combine liver spread, mayonnaise, all‑purpose cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon (or calamansi) juice. Mix by hand until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Plate and Serve

    Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving plate, place the crispy tofu squares on top, and drizzle generously with the creamy dressing.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
1100
Protein
13 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fat
70 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (contains egg and dairy), Gluten

Allergens: Soy, Egg, Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Tofu Square

Recipe by YourMayores Food

A trending Filipino snack of golden‑brown tofu squares coated in a crunchy flour‑egg batter, served on fresh lettuce with a rich garlic‑lime dressing. Perfect for parties or a tasty appetizer.

EasyFilipinoServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
55m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.36
Total cost
$6.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning and double flour coating must be even.
  • Resting the breaded tofu for 15‑30 minutes is essential for coating adhesion.
  • Oil temperature must reach 350°F; too low results in soggy tofu, too high burns the crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep a lid nearby.
  • Do not leave frying oil unattended.
  • Handle raw tofu with clean hands to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of tofu squares in Filipino cuisine?

A

Tofu, known as "tokwa" in the Philippines, was introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago and has become a staple in Filipino home cooking, especially in snack dishes and street food. The modern "tofu square" trend blends traditional deep‑fried tofu with a Western‑style creamy dressing, reflecting the Philippines' love for fusion flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried tofu in Filipino cuisine?

A

In the Visayas, fried tofu is often served with a sweet‑sour sauce, while in Luzon it may be paired with soy‑vinegar dip. Some regions add garlic and chili flakes to the coating, and the Bicol region sometimes incorporates coconut milk in the batter for extra richness.

cultural
Q

How is crispy tofu traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

Traditionally, fried tofu is served hot on a banana leaf or a simple plate, accompanied by a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, chopped onions, and chilies. It is commonly eaten as a snack ("merienda") or as part of a larger meal.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is fried tofu commonly enjoyed in Filipino culture?

A

Fried tofu appears at family gatherings, birthday parties, and street‑food festivals. It is also a popular offering during "Simbang Gabi" (pre‑Christmas masses) where vendors sell a variety of fried snacks.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Filipino fried tofu versus this recipe?

A

Traditional Filipino fried tofu uses plain firm tofu, plain flour, salt, and sometimes a splash of soy sauce. This recipe adds Magic Sarap seasoning, a double coating of egg and flour, and a rich garlic‑lime dressing, creating a more indulgent version while still honoring the original.

cultural
Q

What other Filipino dishes pair well with these crispy tofu squares?

A

Serve the tofu squares alongside "pancit canton" (stir‑fried noodles), "lumpiang shanghai" (fried spring rolls), or a fresh "ensaladang talong" (eggplant salad) for a balanced Filipino snack platter.

cultural
Q

How has the fried tofu square evolved in modern Filipino street food?

A

Modern street vendors have experimented with larger, square‑shaped tofu pieces, double‑breaded coatings, and inventive sauces such as creamy garlic, spicy mayo, or sweet chili, turning a simple snack into a Instagram‑worthy treat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy Filipino tofu squares at home?

A

Common errors include not drying the tofu enough, skipping the resting period, and frying at too low a temperature, which leads to soggy coating. Also, overcrowding the pan causes the oil temperature to drop, preventing crispness.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a double coating of flour and egg instead of a single batter?

A

The double coating creates a sturdier crust that stays attached during frying and provides a satisfying crunch, which is essential for the "square" presentation and for holding the creamy dressing without becoming soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel YourMayores Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel YourMayores Food focuses on easy, home‑cooked Filipino recipes, often highlighting trending snack ideas, quick meals, and creative twists on classic dishes for everyday cooks.

channel

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