Breaded Crispy Tofu Recipe

Close up of the middle of a piece of crispy tofu

Get ready to love tofu! This breaded crispy tofu recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and is great to serve as a vegan appetizer or part of a main. Marinated and covered in a thick batter, the panko covered tofu is then deep fried for a wonderfully crispy bite full of flavor and texture. Easy to make gluten-free.

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Marinating / pressing time 1

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 221kcal

Author Slow The Cook Down

Ingredients

12 ounces extra firm tofu (350g)

For the marinade

4 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
pinch black pepper
½ tablespoon crushed hot chilis
1 clove garlic minced

For the batter

1 cup flour (120g)
1 cup water (250ml)
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

To fry

½ cup panko breadcrumbs plus more as needed
oil for frying

Instructions

Press the tofu, either using a tofu press or line a plate with paper towel, place the tofu on top and cover with more paper and then a weighted down pate on top. Press for at least 30 minutes.
Mix together the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Cut the tofu into chunky fry like strips, place in the marinade and use a spoon to coat. Let marinade for at least 30 minutes.
Whisk together the ingredients for the batter and place the panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl.
Dredge each piece of tofu in the batter and then cover in breadcrumbs. Place on a foil lined tray and repeat until all of the tofu is coated.
Heat a good amount of oil, enough to cover the sticks, in a large, high sided pan on a high heat. Test if the oil is hot enough by dropping some panko in. If it sizzles and bubbles you are ready to cook.
Place three of four tofu sticks in the oil at a time and cook on all sides until golden brown. Once cooked, place on kitchen towel to drain.
Repeat with the rest of the tofu, taking care not to overcrowd the pot and adjusting the heat if needed.

Notes

Your hands will likely get messy after a few dips as the batter is super thick. Add the panko in small amounts to the bowl so it doesn’t clump together and refill as you go.
Take care not to over crowd the tofu when frying, I did about 4 at a time.

Nutrition