Creating your own Fried Tofu Nuggets at home is straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve crispy perfection:

Preparation

1. Press the Tofu: Start by removing excess water from the tofu. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and weigh it down with something heavy. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes.
2. Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu block into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Marination

3. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
4. Marinate the Tofu: Add the tofu cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss to ensure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Coating and Frying

5. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish or plate, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
6. Coat the Tofu: Dredge each marinated tofu cube in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
7. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle a small piece of tofu immediately.
8. Fry the Tofu: Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-5 minutes per side.
9. Drain the Tofu: Remove the fried tofu nuggets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.