Crispy Fried Tofu Bao Buns with Pickled Carrots and Hoisin Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft steamed bao buns filled with crunchy fried tofu, tangy pickled carrots, fresh cucumber, and a sweet-savory hoisin drizzle for a satisfying vegetarian street snack. This asian-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu block for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch thick rectangles. Toss tofu pieces in 1/2 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: For pickled carrots, mix 1/3 cup rice vinegar, 1/3 cup water, and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Add 1 large julienned carrot and let sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Steam 8 bao buns according to package instructions until soft and fluffy.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, open each steamed bao bun and spread about 1 tbsp hoisin sauce inside. Add 2-3 pieces of crispy tofu, a few pickled carrot strips, 1 tbsp thinly sliced cucumber, a sprinkle of 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Serve immediately while warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Fried Tofu Bao Buns with Pickled Carrots and Hoisin Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Fried Tofu Bao Buns with Pickled Carrots and Hoisin Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Fried Tofu Bao Buns with Pickled Carrots and Hoisin Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Fried Tofu Bao Buns with Pickled Carrots and Hoisin Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Fried Tofu Bao Buns with Pickled Carrots and Hoisin Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes