Delicious and Healthy Fried Chicken Tofu Recipe
Are you craving fried chicken but want to keep it plant-based and healthy? Look no further than this recipe for Fried Chicken Tofu and Gravy. Trust me, you won’t even miss the real thing.
As a culinary explorer, I have experimented with a variety of recipes and ingredients. And let me tell you, this one takes the cake – or should I say tofu – as one of my absolute favorites.
By using firm tofu, nutritional yeast flakes, and a blend of spices, we can create the perfect texture for vegan fried chicken. And the accompanying gravy made with vegetable broth and tamari? It’s simply divine.
This recipe is quick and easy to follow, making it ideal for any aspiring cook looking to impress their friends and family with delicious and cruelty-free comfort food. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a healthier version of the classic southern-style fried chicken? Well, look no further! I am excited to present you with a vegan fried chicken tofu and gravy recipe that will blow your mind.
Firstly, this recipe is entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. You can feel proud of yourself for indulging in delicious comfort food while staying true to your values.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have access to tofu puffs or firm tofu, you can always make substitutions. The water, flour, nutritional yeast flakes, and sesame seeds coating provide a crispy texture that makes the dish so delicious. And with different combinations of seasoning and sauces, you can customize each serving to taste.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With simple steps and using basic kitchen tools like a skillet and blender, anyone can take on this recipe without fear. There’s even the added bonus of homemade gravy made with vegetable broth for added flavor!
This vegan fried chicken tofu and gravy recipe is beloved by even those most hesitant eaters. Not only will it satisfy your cravings for crispy fried chicken, but it also brings out new exciting flavors that are unique to this dish. Trust me when I say it’ll change your perception of what vegetarian recipes are capable of.
Ingredient List
Ingredients:
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Tofu: Firm tofu will work best for this recipe. It is important to press out as much liquid as possible from the tofu to make it crispy.
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Flour: All-purpose flour is used for the batter that coats the tofu.
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Nutritional Yeast Flakes: These flakes add a cheesy and nutty flavor to the batter.
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Soy Milk: Use unsweetened soy milk for the batter. The milk helps to create a thick batter that sticks well to the tofu.
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Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the fried tofu and gravy.
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Sesame Seeds: These seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the fried chicken tofu.
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Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for frying the tofu until crispy and golden brown.
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Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth is used as a base for making the gravy sauce.
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Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds flavor to the gravy sauce.
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Vegan Butter or Margarine: Adds richness and buttery flavor to the gravy sauce.
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Tamari or Soy Sauce: Either of these sauces works fine in this recipe, but Tamari is better because it has less sodium than regular soy sauce.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives a tangy taste to the gravy sauce.
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Hot Sauce: Adds some heat to the gravy sauce.
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Water
Amounts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups unsweetened soy milk
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and sliced into desired shapes
- 2/3 cups sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or margarine
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Water (as needed)
The Recipe How-To
Crispy Fried Chicken Tofu
- Firstly, I drain and press the firm tofu for about 30 minutes to remove the excess water. After that, I cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Then, I mix 1 ½ cups of soy milk, 2 tablespoons of tamari, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce in a small bowl to make the marinade.
- Next, I combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast flakes, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a larger bowl.
- In a separate pan, I heat up about an inch of oil until it reaches about 375°F.
- Dipping each tofu piece into the marinade followed by coating it in the flour mixture, I place it into the hot oil. For best results, I do this step twice to ensure every piece is coated evenly and becomes crispy fried.
- Lastly, after frying for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown, I place them on a paper towel-lined plate to get rid of the excess oil.
Chicken Gravy Recipe
- After frying chicken tofu, leave about 2 tablespoons of oil in the same pan while keeping it warm over medium heat.
- Sprinkle some flour over the top and whisk until it forms a paste-like consistency.
- Gradually add in 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth while continuously whisking until you achieve a smooth mixture.
- Add in any additional seasonings at this point depending on personal taste, such as salt and pepper or even some garlic powder. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar will give this gravy an extra tang that’ll tantalize your tastebuds!
- Once that’s all done, reduce your heat to medium-low and allow your gravy to simmer for at least ten minutes before serving.
Voila! You’ve just mastered making vegan fried chicken and gravy! This dish is perfect if you’re craving those traditional southern flavors but are looking for something plant-based.
Substitutions and Variations
As a culinary explorer, I understand that experimenting with substitutions and variations can take a simple recipe to a whole new level. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations to make this fried chicken tofu and gravy recipe even more versatile and exciting.
– Flour: You can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour instead of the regular flour in this recipe.
– Tofu: Firm tofu works best for this recipe, but you can always try different types of tofu such as silken or extra-firm tofu to get different textures.
– Margarine: You can substitute margarine with vegan butter or olive oil for a different flavor.
– Soy milk: Instead of soymilk, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.
– Vegetable broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use water instead. Adding some tamari or soy sauce to the water will give extra flavor to the gravy.
– Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for white vinegar or lemon juice to achieve similar results.
– Nutritional yeast flakes: If you don’t have nutritional yeast flakes on hand, you can skip it. However, it adds a cheesy and nutty flavor to the tofu.
– Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring an amazing crunch to the dish. But if you are not a fan, you could leave them out.
For those who love an extra kick of spice:
– Hot sauce and garlic sauce: Add some hot sauce or garlic sauce into the breading mixture for crispy fried tofu with added heat and boldness.
– Oyster sauce and miso paste: Try marinating the chicken tofu in oyster sauce and miso paste for an umami-packed twist.
These substitutions and variations will allow you to customize your dish based on preference while still achieving great results. Have fun experimenting!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared this delicious fried chicken tofu and gravy recipe, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! This vegan take on the classic fried chicken with gravy will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings, whether you’re a vegan or not.
To serve this dish, I recommend pairing it with some fluffy mashed potatoes or crispy french fries. The creamy texture and savory taste of the gravy will complement the earthy flavors of the tofu and sesame seeds perfectly. You can also add some steamed vegetables such as broccoli or carrots to balance out the richness of the dish.
If you’re looking for a complete vegan meal idea, try serving this dish with a side salad of fresh greens and vegetables dressed in a light vinaigrette. This will add some freshness and crunch to the plate, making it an excellent option to nourish your body while still indulging in comfort food.
A refreshing beverage like lemonade or iced tea will make a perfect pairing for this meal, especially on hot summer days. Alternatively, consider serving a light beer or white wine to cut through the heaviness of the meal.
Overall, this dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairings. Feel free to experiment with different sides and beverages to find what works best for you. Just remember to sit back, relax, and enjoy this delicious vegan take on classic comfort food.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead, store and reheat. If you’re like me, you love to prep as much as possible ahead of time to make mealtime a breeze.
To make the fried chicken tofu and gravy in advance, cook as directed and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store the fried tofu and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the tofu and gravy using your preferred method until heated through.
To reheat the tofu, I suggest using an air fryer or oven on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy. You can also use a skillet or microwave if that’s what you prefer.
If you want to freeze the fried chicken tofu, store them in separate freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating using your preferred method.
When reheating gravy, you may need to whisk in some extra vegetable broth or water as it thickens when cooled. Simply heat over low-medium heat on a stovetop, whisking occasionally till hot.
Now that you know how simple it is to prepare ahead of time store and reheat these vegan fried chicken and gravy so get ready for a quick dinner solution that satisfies your cravings.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results with this Fried Chicken Tofu and Gravy recipe, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use firm tofu
For a crispy texture, always choose firm tofu. Soft or silken tofu won’t hold up well during frying and may result in a mushy texture.
2. Drain excess moisture
Pressing the tofu before cooking removes excess moisture and allows it to absorb more flavor. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or cheesecloth and press between two plates, with a weight on top for about 20-30 minutes.
3. Season generously
Don’t be afraid to season your tofu with salt and pepper before breading it. This enhances the flavors of the dish and makes for a tastier outcome.
4. Coat evenly
When coating your tofu with flour, make sure to do so evenly to prevent clumps or uneven coverage. A light dusting of flour is enough, as too much will create a heavy doughy texture.
5. Fry in batches
Frying the chicken tofu all at once can overcrowd the pan, causing them to stick together and preventing them from crisping up properly. Frying in small batches will give you perfectly crispy fried chicken tofu every time.
6. Keep an eye on the heat
Make sure the oil is hot enough so that the fried chicken tofu cook quickly without absorbing too much oil. Too cool oil will result in soggy fried chicken while too hot oil will burn quickly.
7. Thicken gravy with cornstarch
Instead of over-relying on flour for thickening your gravy recipe. For a smoother consistency use corn starch mixed with cold water into whisked gravy until desired thickness when boiling for 1-2 minutes.
8. Sprinkle sesame seeds
Before serving your chicken fried tofu dish sprinkle some sesame seeds to elevate it’s nutty flavor profile cohesively complimenting the soy sauce and tamari sauce ingredients used.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Fried Chicken Tofu and Gravy recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic comfort food. With its crispy fried tofu and flavorful chicken-style gravy, it’s sure to satisfy any craving. Plus, it’s easy to customize with substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a must-try. So why not give it a go and see for yourself just how delicious and satisfying a vegan version of fried chicken can be?
Fried Chicken Tofu and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- frying oil (enough to cover the bottom of a skillet)
- 2 -3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 lb tofu, sliced
- 1/2 cup good-tasting nutritional yeast flakes (use any leftover flakes for the gravy)
- 2 tablespoons tamari
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 -2 cup soymilk, milk (milk makes a very rich, thick gravy) or 1 -2 cup water (milk makes a very rich, thick gravy)
- salt, pepper, and tamari to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in the skillet.
- Add the sesame seeds.
- While these are heating, dredge each slice of tofu in the nutritional yeast flakes until both sides are generously coated.
- When the seeds start to sizzle, arrange the tofu in the skillet.
- Drizzle the tamari over the top.
- Turn the slices and fry on both sides until crispy and brown. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on how you like it.
- For the gravy, leave the skillet as it is from making the fried chicken tofu.
- Add the margarine and let it melt.
- Stir in the flour and yeast until mixed, and let brown a little (but not burn) on medium-low heat.
- Add your liquid and continue stirring until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, and tamari to taste.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.