Name: Tofu Fried Chicken
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu (drained and pressed); null null neutral oil (for deep frying); 0.25 cup soy sauce; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 3 tbsp water; 0.5 cup flour; 0.5 cup cornstarch; 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes); 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp garlic powder ((optional)); 1 tsp smoked paprika ((optional)); 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup plant-based milk ((soy milk works best)); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 0.25 cup flour; 0.5 tsp salt

Instructions

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1

Cut the firm tofu (1 block) into sticks, cubes, or slices.
2

In a lidded tupperware, mix the marinade: soy sauce (0.25 cup), garlic powder (0.5 tsp), smoked paprika (0.5 tsp), neutral oil (2 tbsp), and water (3 tbsp). Add the tofu, close the lid, and shake to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
3

In a medium bowl, mix the dry coating: flour (0.5 cup), cornstarch (0.5 cup), panko breadcrumbs (0.5 cup) (or crushed cornflakes), baking powder (1 tbsp), garlic powder (1 tsp) (optional), smoked paprika (1 tsp) (optional), black pepper (1 tsp), and salt (1 tsp). Set aside.
4

In a small bowl (large enough for dipping), mix the wet coating: plant-based milk (1 cup), apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp), flour (0.25 cup), and salt (0.5 tsp). Let it sit for 5 minutes to form buttermilk-like consistency. Set aside.
5

One by one, remove a tofu piece from the marinade, shake off excess. Place in dry coating, coat well, and shake off excess. Dip completely into wet coating, lift to drip excess. Place back in dry coating, coat well, and shake off excess. Place coated tofu on a plate. Repeat for all tofu.
6

In a small saucepan or deep pan, add [high heat neutral oil] to about 1-inch deep. Heat over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until hot (test with a small piece of tofu, it should sizzle immediately).
7

Carefully drop tofu pieces into the oil, without overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden (about 2 minutes per side). Carefully remove tofu and place on a cooling rack with a plate underneath to drip excess oil. Repeat until all tofu is fried.
8

Serve immediately with your favorite sauces.