Nori Wrapped Tofu is the perfect recipe to try if you’re looking for a flavourful vegan appetizer or snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

With its crispy exterior, savory seaweed wrapping, and tender tofu centre, this dish is not only delicious but also nutrient-rich. It’s easy to make, full of umami, and makes a great addition to a plant-based meal.

Jump to:

🤔What is Nori Wrapped Tofu?
💚Why You’ll Love This Nori Wrapped Tofu
📝How to make Nori Wrapped Tofu
🌿Final Thoughts
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

🤔What is Nori Wrapped Tofu?

Nori wrapped tofu is a simple vegan tofu recipe where tofu cubes or slices are coated in a light seasoning, wrapped in nori sheets (the same seaweed used in sushi), and then pan-fried or baked until crispy.

The result is a dish that has a satisfying crunch, a savory sea-like flavor, and plenty of protein to keep you full. It’s a great plant-based alternative to seafood appetizers, as the nori provides that subtle “taste of the ocean” without using fish.

holding a piece of tofu wrapped by a strip of nori

💚Why You’ll Love This Nori Wrapped Tofu

Crispy and flavorful – the perfect balance of crunch, umami, and tenderness.
High in protein – tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source.
Versatile – works as a snack, starter, or part of a main meal.
Ocean-inspired without seafood – all the savory flavor, 100% vegan.

a piece of nori wrapped tofu coated in sauce

📝How to make Nori Wrapped Tofu

Ingredients

400g fried tofu
2 Nori sheets
Corn starch

Sauce

2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoon Soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 chili (minced)
4 tablespoon water
Black pepper

Instructions (with pictures)

Prepare the tofu:

Cut fried tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Wrap each piece with a strip of nori sheet.
Lightly coat the tofu pieces with cornstarch so they crisp up when cooked.

Cook the tofu:

Heat a pan with a little oil.
Pan-fry the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Make the sauce.

In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoon oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, minced chili, and water. Then stir well.
Season with black pepper.
Next, stir in the corn starch slurry to thicken the sauce then simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy.

Combine & serve:

Pour the sauce over the crispy tofu pieces.
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

cutting the nori sheet into thin strips — Cut fried tofu into bite-sized pieces and cut the nori into thin strips.

wrapping the nori strip around a piece of tofu — Wrap each piece with a strip of nori seaweed.

frying the tofu in a pan — Heat a pan with a little oil. Pan-fry the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Next, remove and set aside.

mixing the sauce ingredients — Add soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, minced chili, corn starch and water in a small bowl and mix well.

simmering the sauce — In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoon oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then add the mixture, season with black pepper, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy.

pouring the sauce over the crispy tofu pieces — Pour the sauce over the crispy tofu pieces.

nori wrapped tofu lunchbox idea — Serve hot with steamed rice or make a **lunchbox**!

For more lunchbox ideas, check out these recipes below:

💡Tips for Success

Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Extra crispy: Double coat the tofu with corn starch before frying.

🌿Final Thoughts

When it comes to plant-based cooking, tofu often takes centre stage. It’s versatile, packed with protein, and absorbs flavors beautifully. When paired with seaweed, tofu transforms into something deeply savory, wholesome, and reminiscent of the sea—and the fish are safe!

Nori Wrapped Tofu is a must-try if you love bold umami flavors, crispy textures, and simple vegan recipes that look impressive but are easy to make. Whether you enjoy it as a light snack, an appetizer, or part of a bigger meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!