if there is one thing I love it is breaded crispy tofu! it is so delicious on its own but great for wraps, salads, bowls, and more!
the inspiration
To be honest there is no inspiration for this recipe. I have been making crispy tofu for years. While I was scrolling through my blog posts I realized I do not have a dedicated crispy tofu post.
So, I figured I would take any excuse to make some breaded crispy tofu and give you all a new blog post! I think breaded crispy tofu is so delicious and was one of the first ways I really learned to enjoy and embrace tofu.
If you are a tofu skeptic I do think a breaded crispy tofu can help you because anything breaded is just delicious. These are baked but you can also pan fry or air fry if you like. Either way you will love this.
the ingredients
- Super Firm Tofu: of course we need tofu for our breaded crispy tofu. If you are new to making tofu super firm tofu will be your best friend. It has the least amount of water in it so it is extremely firm. No mushy tofu around here!
- Breadcrumbs: I personally like to buy panko breadcrumbs and then blend them in my blender to get a finer breadcrumbs. Vegan friendly breadcrumbs can be harder to find so be sure to check the ingredients. However, for the most part panko breadcrumbs are usually vegan so it works out well.
- Seasonings: I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, and salt. You can of course add in what you like and prefer as well.
- Cornstarch: the cornstarch helps to create a nice crispy base on our tofu before we dip in non-dairy milk and breadcrumbs.
- Non-Dairy Milk: you can use any non-dairy milk you like I do just say to avoid coconut milk in a can as it will add a coconut taste.
- Spray Oil: this is optional but I like it to help enhance the overall crispiness of the breaded crispy tofu.
making the breadcrumbs
I love to just make my own homemade seasoned bread crumbs. It is super easy to do, only takes about 2 minutes. This also allows me to control the amount of seasonings I like and ensures my breadcrumbs are vegan.
First, just grab a package of panko bread crumbs and pour them into a blender. Then, add in your seasonings of choice. I always go for onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and dried parsley flakes. This adds nice flavor and color to the breadcrumbs and whatever dish you are making.
Then, just blend everything up for about 30 seconds until the breadcrumbs are broken down into finer pieces. Pour the seasoned breadcrumbs back into the container and now you have easy homemade breadcrumbs! If you are gluten-free you can of course use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
tofu choice matters
I think the reason most people think they don’t like tofu is because they don’t know what to buy. There a bunch of different tofu firmness choices to choose from. I personally always go for super firm tofu.
Super firm tofu has the least amount of water, highest protein content, and you do not need to press it. So, when you cut into it, it is not mush. You can use extra firm tofu but I have found that all different brands have different textures for extra firm tofu. My favorite brand is House Foods extra firm tofu or Whole Foods 365. When you use extra firm tofu you will want to press it beforehand.
how to make the breaded crispy tofu
First, you’ll need to cut the tofu. I recommend turning it on its side so the shorter end is facing up. Then, slice it lengthwise into 8 to 10 even rectangles. Finally, cut each rectangle diagonally to create triangles.
Then, take the triangles and first coat them in cornstarch. Make sure to coat them generously because the cornstarch helps to ensure everything is nice and crispy. Next, you will dip them the non-dairy milk, let any excess liquid drip off before placing in the breadcrumbs. Generously coat the tofu by using a spoon to move the breadcrumbs around. Be sure to flip each piece of tofu and ensure all the sides are covered as well.
Place them onto a lined baking sheet and repeat the process until all the tofu has been coated. You also do not need to make triangles. You can make squares, strips, whatever shape you like.
baking the crispy breaded tofu
To cook this tofu I prefer to bake it in the oven. I find it comes out the best and it makes it very easy to finish cooking the tofu all at one time. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). I like to spray the tofu with spray oil to help it get even crispier but you do not need to do this.
Bake the tofu in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the tofu comes out it should be golden brown and beautiful! Then you can enjoy right away or save for later if you are meal prepping. Be sure to let it cool before storing away.
If you would like to air fry I would place about 5 to 8 pieces of the tofu in your air fryer basket. You want the tofu to have space to cook. Then, you can air fry at 400°F (206°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. If the tofu needs longer to cook give it another 2 to 3 minutes until golden.
If you would like to pan fry the tofu heat up about 2 to 3 tablespoons oil in a large pan or large skillet over medium heat. I would use olive oil but feel free to use what you like. Once the oil is warm after about 5 minutes place the tofu in. Let it cook about 5 to 8 minutes per side to get the breadcrumbs crispy and golden.
why you’ll love this crispy breaded tofu
This breaded crispy tofu is a great base recipe. The tofu is delicious all on its own but it is also great for other things. You can toss it in sauces, serve it with rice, over a salad, on a wrap. There are so many options.
If you are someone who enjoyed chicken cutlets then this would be a great substitute for that. You can always cut the tofu into large thin rectangles instead of the triangles. Feel free to play around with the seasonings you use and just have fun.
breaded crispy tofu faq
- Is this recipe soy free? No. It does use tofu. However, if you use soy free tofu it can be.
- Is this recipe gluten free? No, but you can easily swap for gluten free breadcrumbs.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
- How long does this last in the fridge? Up to 3 days.
- How long does this last in the freezer? Up to 1 month,
- How do I reheat the tofu? If you are reheating from the fridge you can warm in the oven or air fryer. If reheating from frozen allow it to thaw in the fridge for several hours before reheating. *Note: freezing tofu does change the texture of it.
- I am still worried I won’t like the texture of the tofu, what can I do? You can either freeze the tofu block ahead of time or boil it in salted water. Freezing and thawing the tofu gives a bit more of a meat-like and chewier texture. Boiling the tofu will enhance texture and flavor absorption.
- Can I add anything else to the seasonings for the breadcrumbs? Sure! You can use nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan, red pepper flakes, dried oregano – tons of options here!
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Breaded Crispy Tofu
Equipment
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block super firm tofu 16 ounces
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup non-dairy milk unsweetened and unflavored
- Spray oil
Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1 container (8 ounces) plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare breadcrumbs: in a blender add the package of breadcrumbs along with the seasonings. Blend for 30 seconds or until everything is broken down and well incorporated. Portion out ⅔ cup (60g) of the seasoned breadcrumbs into a large flat bowl or a plate for breading.
- Prep the tofu: cut the tofu into two halves crosswise. Then use your knife to make about ¼ inch thick slices. Then cut on the diagonal to make tofu triangles
- Then, coat the tofu pieces first in cornstarch, then in the nondairy milk, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet. Allow the nondairy milk to drip off so it doesn’t get excess in the breadcrumbs. Repeat until everything is breaded.
- Spray with spray oil if desired and bake for 20 minutes. Flipping the tofu halfway through. The tofu should be golden brown.
- Allow the tofu to cool for 5 to 10 minutes and enjoy.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- For any questions you may have please refer to the FAQ above the recipe card.
Nutrition
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hey there!
Hey, I’m Francesca!
Thank you for checking out my recipe! I am happy to have you here and hope you explore more delicious vegan recipes.
What is meant by cut the tofu block “crosswise”? Cut the length in half? Or cut the thickness in half? Wish there had been a photo of that.
Hi, it is just about making turning the tofu on its side, cut it into rectangles and then slice in half to make a diagonal if you want to do triangles. you can of course do squares or rectangles or nuggets, whatever shape you want! this video shows to cut the tofu into triangles https://youtu.be/07LoipsnBIw?si=YRSABExaWPwDyf1z