Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken recipe offers a delightful plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. With a perfectly crunchy exterior and flavorful marinade, it’s sure to impress both vegans and meat-eaters alike. Enjoy a satisfying, crispy bite that will wow your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces firm tofu (extra-firm tofu or tempeh can be used for a meatier texture)
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
• 1.5 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (or regular/any preferred milk)
• 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free blend or chickpea flour can be substituted)
• 0.5 cups cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice tolerance)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Freeze a 16-ounce package of firm tofu overnight, then thaw completely. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 1.5 cups vegetable broth with 1 tablespoon hot sauce. Add tofu pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, ensuring even coating.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk with 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to create a buttermilk-like mixture.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 cups cornstarch, onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
5. Step 5: Dip each tofu piece into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the dipping and dredging process once more.
6. Step 6: Heat about 0.5-inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°-360°F (175°-182°C). Fry tofu pieces for 6-7 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to cook evenly.
7. Step 7: Transfer fried tofu to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
8. Step 8: Allow tofu to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce or on a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• Freezing the tofu before cooking gives it a firmer, chewier texture that mimics fried chicken more closely.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour.
• Add more or less cayenne pepper to adjust the heat level to your preference.
• Use tempeh instead of tofu if you want a nuttier flavor and firmer bite.

Storage

Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tofu on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the tofu instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking will be less oily but may not be as crispy as frying.

What type of tofu works best for this recipe?

Firm or extra-firm tofu works best since it holds its shape well during freezing, marinating, and frying. Freezing the tofu first improves texture and helps it absorb flavors better.

Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 67 reviews

This Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken recipe offers a plant-based twist on classic fried chicken, delivering a crunchy, flavorful exterior with a tender, juicy interior. Using firm tofu marinated in a spiced vegetable broth and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture before pan-frying to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for vegans and vegetarians looking for a delicious, satisfying alternative to traditional fried chicken.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu and Marinade

• 16 ounces Firm Tofu (freeze overnight, thaw, drain, and press)
• 1.5 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce

Buttermilk Mixture

• 1.5 cups Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk
• 1.5 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

Breading

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 0.5 cups Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Frying

• Vegetable Oil (about ½-inch depth for frying)

Instructions

1. Tofu Preparation: Freeze the 16-ounce package of firm tofu overnight. Once thawed, drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2. Marinate Tofu: In a large bowl, mix the vegetable broth with hot sauce. Place the tofu pieces into this marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes to infuse the tofu with a spicy, savory taste.
3. Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: Whisk together the unsweetened non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a buttermilk-like effect that helps tenderize the tofu and adds tang.
4. Make Breading: Combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in another bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the flour mixture.
5. Bread the Tofu: Dip each marinated tofu piece first into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. For an extra crispy coating, repeat this dipping process one more time before frying.
6. Fry the Tofu: Heat about ½-inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°-360°F. Fry the tofu pieces in batches, turning every 2 minutes, for roughly 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried tofu to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep the crust crispy.
8. Serve: Let the tofu cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or atop a fresh salad for a delicious meal.

Notes

• Freezing the tofu overnight improves its texture, making it firmer and chewier, which mimics the meatier texture of fried chicken.
• Adjust hot sauce and cayenne pepper amounts based on your preferred spice level.
• Non-dairy milk can be substituted with regular dairy milk if preferred.
• For gluten-free versions, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for optimal frying results.
• Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess water, ensuring the breading adheres well and the tofu fries up crisp.
• Serve immediately for the best texture, but leftover fried tofu can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: crispy tofu fried chicken, vegan fried chicken, tofu recipe, plant-based fried chicken, crispy tofu, vegan dinner, meatless chicken alternative