Description
Crispy and flavorful breaded tofu strips cooked to golden perfection and served with tangy BBQ sauce. This easy-to-make vegan appetizer or snack is perfect for anyone looking for a protein-packed, plant-based dish with a delicious crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu Preparation
- 14 to 16 ounces of extra firm tofu
Breading Mixture
- ½ cup of cornstarch
- ¼ cup of water
- 2 Tablespoons of soy sauce
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon of nutritional yeast
- Pinch of salt
Cooking
- ¼ cup of vegetable oil
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu well and press it to remove excess water. Cut the block into finger-sized strips suitable for frying.
- Make the Wet Batter: In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, water, and soy sauce. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Prepare the Dry Breading: On a plate, mix together the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large pan on medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Bread the Tofu Strips: Dip each tofu strip into the cornstarch-soy mixture until fully coated. Immediately press the coated tofu into the breadcrumb mixture to cover all sides completely.
- Cook the Tofu: Carefully lay each breaded tofu strip in the hot oil. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked tofu strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to remove moisture, helping it get crispy when cooked.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying to avoid burning.
- Ensure oil is hot before frying to achieve a crisp exterior and to prevent tofu from soaking up too much oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Breaded Tofu, Crispy Tofu Strips, Vegan Appetizer, Fried Tofu, Plant-Based Snack
