Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken (Printable)
Crispy, tender tofu in a seasoned coating.
# What You’ll Need:
→ 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 - 1/3 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 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
# How To Make It:
01 - Slice the pressed tofu into 3/4 inch thick slabs. Use your hands to gently tear each slab into nugget-sized pieces to mimic the texture of chicken.
02 - In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Add the tofu pieces and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine plant-based milk, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne.
05 - Dip each marinated tofu piece into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour blend. For a thicker crust, repeat the dipping and dredging process a second time.
06 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Fry the tofu pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
07 - Serve the fried tofu immediately while hot, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It delivers that satisfying crunch you miss without needing any meat at all.
- The spicy kick and tender inside make it impossible to stop eating after just one piece.
02 -
- Do not skip pressing the tofu or the inside will be soggy instead of meaty.
- Letting the oil come back to temperature between batches ensures every piece is evenly crispy.
03 -
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the pieces crispy on all sides.
- Warm your leftover pieces in the oven instead of the microwave to revive the texture.