Southern Fried Tofu: A Delicious and Crunchy Recipe
Picture this: a crispy, golden brown piece of tofu that’s equal parts savory and satisfying. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! I’m here to introduce to you my recipe for vegan southern fried tofu that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it.
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, it’s been my mission to create dishes that are both delicious and accessible for all dietary preferences. This recipe for southern fried tofu is no exception. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s the perfect way to elevate your meals.
But don’t just take my word for it. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a new spin on traditional southern dishes, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of boring and bland tofu? Look no further than this Southern Fried Tofu recipe! You’ll love it for its crispy and golden brown texture, savory seasoning, and mouth-watering taste.
As a vegan myself, I understand the challenge of finding flavorful plant-based protein options. That’s why this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to switch up their meals without sacrificing taste. The combination of whole wheat flour, milk, and nutritional yeast flakes creates a coating that gives the tofu an irresistible crunch. Plus, all the herbs and spices – from ground celery seed to dried basil leaves – satisfy savory cravings.
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. From pairing with classic Southern sides like macaroni and cheese or coleslaw to creating international fusion meals like Thai-inspired crispy tofu bites or Japanese-style rice bowls, there are endless possibilities with this recipe.
So why settle for plain, boring tofu when you can have crispy Southern Fried Tofu that will have everyone at the dinner table raving? Give this recipe a try – trust me, you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients needed for this vegan Southern Fried Tofu recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground celery seed
- 1 tsp ground rosemary
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp dried basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried tarragon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Other Ingredients:
- 16 oz firm tofu, drained and cut into slices or cubes
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2/3 cup for shallow frying, or more for deep frying)
Note: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use plain flour instead of whole wheat flour.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to make this Southern Fried Tofu recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start with a block of extra firm tofu, drained and pressed to remove any excess liquid. Cut it into 1-inch cubes or slice it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Flour Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour and 1 teaspoon each of ground celery seed, ground rosemary, dry mustard, and curry powder. Add in 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves and basil leaves, dried dill weed, dried tarragon, paprika, dried parsley flakes, onion powder and garlic granules, and salt.
Step 3: Wet Mixture
In another shallow bowl, combine 1/4 cup of milk (use any type you prefer – almond milk works well as a vegan option), 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and whisk until combined.
Step 4: Dredging
Dip each piece of tofu into the flour mixture, coating all sides. Then dip it into the wet mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Step 5: Fry the Tofu
Heat up enough vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot. Test the oil by dropping in a bit of flour mixture–when it sizzles, it’s ready.
Drop each piece of tofu into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Bake the Tofu
If you prefer not to fry your tofu, you can bake it instead. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the tofu pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.
Flip the tofu and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 7: Enjoy the Crispy Southern Fried Tofu!
Serve your delicious Southern Fried Tofu as a main dish or add it to salads, wraps, tacos and more. It pairs well with many different flavors, such as spicy Thai or Japanese sauces.
I hope these cooking instructions help you create the perfect crispy fried tofu recipe – delicious, golden brown, southern fried tofu bites that everyone will love!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to Southern Fried Tofu, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to suit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
– Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, you can replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or cornstarch. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal for a crispy coating.
– Spicy: If you love spicy food, add some heat to your Southern Fried Tofu by mixing in some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce.
– Thai: For a Thai twist on this recipe, experiment with adding flavors like lemongrass, ginger, and coconut milk to the marinade. Replace the traditional breading with panko breadcrumbs or crushed peanuts for added texture.
– Japanese: For a Japanese-inspired twist, marinate the tofu in soy sauce and ginger before coating it in tempura batter. Serve it with a sweet and savory dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
No matter what variation you choose to make, be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your golden brown crispy southern fried tofu bites are ready, it is time to enjoy your delicious vegan southern fried creation. The crispy exterior and soft inside of these tasty tofu bites make for a perfect appetizer or side to an array of dishes.
For a classic southern-style meal, try serving the fried tofu alongside creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread. The savory flavors of the tofu and the richness of the sides complement each other perfectly, creating a mouthwatering experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing your crispy fried tofu with a spicy Thai noodle salad or Japanese stir-fry. These dishes will bring a unique twist to your meal and provide a nice contrast to the crispy southern fried tofu.
Looking for a gluten-free option? Serve the fried tofu on top of a fresh green salad with a side of sweet potato fries. This dish is healthy, flavorful, and has the added benefit of being gluten-free.
No matter what your culinary preferences are, this crispy southern fried tofu recipe will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to any meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prepping, this vegan southern fried tofu recipe is a godsend! The tofu bites can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat your crispy southern fried tofu, simply place the desired amount on a baking sheet and heat it up in the oven at 350°F. If you are short on time, you can reheat the tofu bites in the microwave for a minute or two, but keep in mind that this method may result in somewhat less crunchiness.
Alternatively, you can also re-fry the tofu in hot oil for a couple of minutes until it becomes crispy again. Just make sure you don’t overcook or burn them!
For those who want to take their tofu game to another level, try mixing things up by adding different spices or sauces to the already prepared tofu bites. The crispy texture of these bites makes them perfect as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or noodle bowls. You can even use them as a meat substitute for other traditional southern dishes like gumbo or jambalaya.
No matter which way you choose to serve your crispy southern fried tofu, one thing is for sure: once you taste it, you won’t be able to get enough of it!
Tips for Perfect Results
Southern fried tofu can be tricky to get just right. You want a golden brown crispy finish, but you don’t want it to be too dry or greasy. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years that will help you achieve that perfect result every time.
First and foremost, make sure you use firm tofu. Extra firm tofu can work as well, but the texture may end up being too tough for southern fried tofu. Drain your tofu well before using it in this recipe. Soft or silken tofu will not hold up to frying, so be sure to use the sturdiest tofu you can find.
Next, consider using whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a healthier twist. The whole wheat flour not only adds nutrition, but also gives a nuttier flavor to your southern fried tofu. If you prefer gluten-free options, substitute plain flour with rice flour or cornstarch. It works just as great!
When making your seasoning blend, don’t be afraid to adjust it to your taste preferences. Some people love spicy food and tend to add extra curry powder or paprika. Others may find those spices too intense and choose to add more oregano or basil for a milder flavor.
Before frying the tofu bites, make sure the oil is hot enough by testing it with a small piece of tofu first. If it sizzles rapidly when dropped in the oil, the oil is ready for frying. Always maintain medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan as it may lower the temperature of the oil resulting in soggy results instead of crispy southern fried goodness.
Lastly, if you’re looking for an alternative method to frying your southern fried tofu, try baking them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line baking trays with parchment paper and bake for around 15 minutes (5 minutes on each side) until golden brown crispy perfection is achieved without adding any additional oil.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to make the perfect vegan southern fried tofu for all your meals. Remember, cooking is not just about following the recipe, it’s also about adapting it to your taste and experimentation!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of perfectly crispy Southern Fried Tofu. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and intriguing, offering all the comfort of traditional Southern cuisine but with a vegan twist. Whether you’re a seasoned tofu fan or simply looking for a healthier way to enjoy your fried foods, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
But don’t stop there – let your imagination run wild and experiment with different seasonings, spice blends and frying techniques to create your own unique version of Southern Fried Tofu. With these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this classic dish – and earning a reputation as an expert in vegan Southern cuisine.
So why not try this recipe today? Trust me, once you’ve experienced the savory goodness of golden brown crispy fried tofu, you won’t be able to resist coming back for more. And who knows – maybe you’ll discover a new favorite meal that will keep you satisfied for years to come. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves and get cooking!
Southern Fried Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm tofu, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 1/2 cups nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 -2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
- 2/3 cup milk (preferably non-dairy)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2/3 cup whole wheat flour, as needed (or white)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, more or 1 tablespoon less as needed for browning tofu
Instructions
- Cut the tofu horizontally into three equal slabs. Wrap each slab in a clean tea towel or paper towel and press the toful for 45 minutes. If time does not permit, wrap tofu and press gently to extract as much moisture as possible.
- For seasoning mix; place the nutritional yeast, salt, herbs, and spices in a wide, shallow mixing bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Stir the milk and lemon juice together in a small mixing bowl. Place the flour in mixing bowl.
- Cut each slab of tofu into 4 triangles, making a total of 12 in all. Working with one piece at a time, dredge the tofu in the flour. Shake off any excess. Now submerge the tofu in the "soured" milk. Coat the tofu in the seasoning mix.
- Coat a large skillet with vegetable oil and heat over medium high heat. When oil is hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer. Cook until bottoms are well browned, then turn pieces over and cook until browned. Add more oil between batches and adjust the heat as necessary.
- As soon as tofu is removed from the skillet, place it on a plate lined with paper towels and blot off excess oil. Serve and enjoy!
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