Crispy, check. Panko, check. Tofu, check. 3 of my favourite things combined. Introducing, my friends, this wonderful Crispy Panko Tofu recipe. It’s super easy to make and incredibly delicious!
Making my Crispy Panko Tofu Recipe?
If you’re making my crispy panko tofu recipe, you’ll need the following…
- Firm Tofu:
- Tofu has a neutral flavor and a firm texture that, when prepared correctly, can mimic the texture of meat.
- Tofu has a neutral flavor and a firm texture that, when prepared correctly, can mimic the texture of meat.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free):
- Soy sauce adds a savory, salty flavor to the tofu. It helps to season the tofu and enhance its overall taste.
- Soy sauce adds a savory, salty flavor to the tofu. It helps to season the tofu and enhance its overall taste.
- Vegetable Oil for Frying:
- Vegetable oil is used for frying the tofu, which creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. It adds a desirable texture to the dish.
- Vegetable oil is used for frying the tofu, which creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. It adds a desirable texture to the dish.
- Cornflour:
- Cornflour is used as a coating for the tofu before dipping it in the vegan buttermilk mixture. It helps create a crispy and golden crust on the tofu when it’s fried.
- Cornflour is used as a coating for the tofu before dipping it in the vegan buttermilk mixture. It helps create a crispy and golden crust on the tofu when it’s fried.
- Panko Breadcrumbs:
- Panko breadcrumbs provide the primary crispy, crunchy texture to the tofu. They are larger and airier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a light and crisp coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide the primary crispy, crunchy texture to the tofu. They are larger and airier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a light and crisp coating.
- Nutritional Yeast:
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the panko coating. It contributes to the overall flavor profile of the dish and provides a hint of cheesiness without using dairy.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the panko coating. It contributes to the overall flavor profile of the dish and provides a hint of cheesiness without using dairy.
- Cayenne Pepper:
- Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the coating. It provides a mild spicy kick to balance the other flavors.
- Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the coating. It provides a mild spicy kick to balance the other flavors.
- Smoked Paprika:
- Smoked paprika contributes a smoky, earthy flavor to the coating. It enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of smokiness to the dish.
- Smoked paprika contributes a smoky, earthy flavor to the coating. It enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of smokiness to the dish.
- Garlic Powder:
- Garlic powder or granules infuse the coating with garlic flavor, giving the tofu a savory and aromatic taste.
- Garlic powder or granules infuse the coating with garlic flavor, giving the tofu a savory and aromatic taste.
- Onion Powder:
- Onion powder or granules provide a mild onion flavor, complementing the other spices and adding depth to the overall taste.
- Onion powder or granules provide a mild onion flavor, complementing the other spices and adding depth to the overall taste.
- Salt:
- Salt is a crucial seasoning ingredient that enhances the overall flavor of the tofu and helps balance the flavors in the coating.
- Salt is a crucial seasoning ingredient that enhances the overall flavor of the tofu and helps balance the flavors in the coating.
- Cracked Black Pepper:
- Black pepper adds a bit of heat and a pleasant spiciness to the coating, enhancing the overall taste.
- Black pepper adds a bit of heat and a pleasant spiciness to the coating, enhancing the overall taste.
- Vegan Buttermilk:
- The vegan buttermilk mixture, made from dairy-free milk (soy or oat) and apple cider vinegar, serves as a binder for the panko coating. It helps the coating adhere to the tofu and provides a slightly tangy flavor. The optional sriracha adds a hint of spiciness to the buttermilk, which can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
Crispy Panko Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 400g block (or similar) firm tofu
- 1 tbsp soy sauce use tamari for gluten free option
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup cornflour
Panko Mix
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder or granules
- 2 tsp onion powder or granules
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper
Vegan Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup dairy free milk soya, oat
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha optional
Instructions
- You have the option to either bake or fry the tofu. If baking, preheat the oven to to 200C (390F) and line a baking tray with baking paper, and brush with a small amount of oil.
- Cut your tofu into slices (roughly 0.5" thick) and lay them out over a large plate or board. Sprinkle the soy sauce over them and set aside to marinate while you make the other elements.
- Add the cornflour to a shallow dish.
- Make the buttermilk by whisking the ingredients in a shallow bowl and set aside.
- Make the panko mix by combining everything together in a shallow dish.
- Dip each piece of tofu in the cornflour and make sure it's coated, then dunk in the buttermilk, and then into the panko mix (you may need to press down slightly so it's all covered)
IF FRYING:
- If frying, heat a good glug of oil (at least 2 tbsp) in a pan over a medium-high heat and fry each piece of tofu for around 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
IF BAKING:
- If baking, lay the tofu out over the lined baking tray and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes, before flipping and baking the other sides for a further 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
