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Tofu Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 63 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This crispy and flavorful Tofu Fried Chicken recipe offers a delicious vegan alternative to traditional fried chicken. Marinated tofu cubes are double-dipped in a seasoned batter and deep-fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy texture with bold Southern-inspired spices. Perfect to serve as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Tofu and Marinade

  • 1 (14 oz) container extra firm tofu
  • 2 cups vegan chicken broth

Milk Mixture

  • 3/4 cup plain soy milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Breading Mix

  • 1/3 cup flour (or gluten-free flour mix)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning mix)
  • 1 teaspoon creole seasoning (or a few dashes of cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For Frying

  • 2 cups oil (or enough to allow the tofu to float in the pan)

Instructions

  1. Freeze and Thaw Tofu: Freeze the block of extra firm tofu until solid, then thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator to improve texture and moisture control for frying.
  2. Press and Cube Tofu: Press the thawed tofu to remove excess liquid, then break it into 1-inch cubes. Place these cubes into the vegan chicken-flavored broth to marinate.
  3. Prepare Milk Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine 3/4 cup soy milk with 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Stir and let sit for at least 5 minutes to curdle and thicken slightly, creating a vegan buttermilk substitute.
  4. Mix Dry Breading: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, oregano, creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and white pepper until evenly combined.
  5. Heat Oil: Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 370°F (187°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy or test with a small tofu piece to ensure the oil bubbles and browns quickly.
  6. Bread the Tofu: After tofu has marinated for at least 15 minutes, dip each cube into the milk mixture, then coat thoroughly in the dry flour mixture. Repeat dipping the tofu in milk and then flour mixture a second time for extra crispiness. Set aside batches of 5-6 pieces for frying.
  7. Deep Fry Tofu: Fry tofu cubes in small batches, cooking each for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the bubbling slows. Avoid overcrowding to keep tofu floating and frying evenly.
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried tofu with a skimmer or tongs, and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauces for a delicious vegan fried chicken experience.

Notes

  • Freezing and thawing tofu improves its texture making it firmer and chewier, ideal for frying.
  • Double-dipping tofu in the milk and flour mixture ensures a thicker, crunchier coating.
  • Maintain oil temperature to prevent greasy tofu and ensure even golden-brown crispiness.
  • Use a thermometer or carefully test oil temperature to avoid under or over frying.
  • This recipe is easily adaptable with gluten-free flour and starch options.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American Southern Vegan

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/tofu-fried-chicken-recipe/