Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken: Vegan Comfort Food Recipe
Enjoy a plant-based twist on classic comfort food with this Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken recipe. Featuring extra firm tofu marinated in vegan chicken broth and dipped in a flavorful buttermilk-style batter before being fried to golden, crispy perfection, this dish is perfect for a satisfying vegan meal.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (including freezing time for tofu, marinating, and prep)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American (Comfort Food, Vegan Adaptation)
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Marinade
- 1 block Extra Firm Tofu (Freeze before use for optimal results)
- 1 cup Vegan Chicken Broth (Can swap for vegetable broth)
Buttermilk Mixture
- 1 cup Soy Milk (Any plant-based milk works)
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Can be replaced with lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (Adjust to taste)
Breading
- 1 cup Flour (Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Potato starch is a good alternative)
- 1/4 cup Cornmeal (Adjust amount to preference)
- 1 tbsp Oregano (Substitute with Italian seasoning if desired)
- 1 tbsp Creole Seasoning (Cayenne pepper can work in its place)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper
For Frying
- 4 cups Oil (Enough for the tofu to float)
Instructions
- Freeze and Prepare Tofu: Freeze the block of extra firm tofu for 24 hours to improve texture, then thaw completely. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture to ensure it crisps up properly when fried.
- Marinate Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl with vegan chicken broth and marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Make Buttermilk Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine soy milk, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. This vegan buttermilk will help the breading adhere and add tangy flavor.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, oregano, creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and white pepper to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 370°F (187°C) ensuring there’s enough oil for the tofu cubes to float freely.
- Coat Tofu: Dip each tofu cube into the buttermilk mixture, then roll thoroughly in the breading mixture to coat completely.
- Fry Tofu: Fry the breaded tofu cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Notes
- Freezing tofu before use enhances its texture, making it more firm and chewy, perfect for frying.
- You can substitute the vegan chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to control the spice level.
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 370°F for optimal crispiness without absorbing excess oil.
- Press tofu well after thawing to prevent soggy coating.
Keywords: Crispy tofu, vegan fried chicken, tofu nuggets, comfort food, plant-based fried chicken, vegan recipe