Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken That Will Wow Your Taste Buds Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
