Tofu Fried Chicken Crispy (Printable Version)
Crispy, golden tofu pieces with a tender center, seasoned and fried to perfection for a vegan twist on a classic favorite.
# Ingredient List:
→ Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
→ Buttermilk Marinade
04 - 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy or oat)
05 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
06 - 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
→ Flour Coating
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
09 - 2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
15 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ For Frying
16 - 2.5 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
# How to Make:
01 - Slice the pressed tofu into 3/4 inch thick slabs or cutlets. Use your hands to gently tear each cutlet into nugget-sized pieces for a more chicken-like texture.
02 - In a shallow dish, mix the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Add tofu pieces, tossing gently to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
03 - In another bowl, combine plant-based milk with lemon juice and optional hot sauce. Let sit for 2 minutes to thicken into vegan buttermilk.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
05 - Dip each tofu piece in the buttermilk marinade, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the dipping process one more time.
06 - Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Fry tofu pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
07 - Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get that perfect shatteringly crispy crust without needing any meat.
- The seasoning blend is savory and spicy enough to convert any skeptic.
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and the tofu will get soggy.
- Tearing the tofu by hand creates rough edges that crisp up better than knife cuts.
03 -
- Let the coated tofu sit on a rack for ten minutes before frying to help the crust set.
- Add nutritional yeast to the flour mix for a savory umami boost.