How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken – Juicy and Crispy

Why make tofu taste like chicken?

Let’s get it over with, shall we?

I can’t even remember how many times I’ve recently read on FB one version of this question: Why make tofu (or any plant based ingredient) taste and look like meat?

Because we frickin’ can and want to ???

If this isn’t reason enough, here are few supporting reasons:

• because we like the taste, but don’t want to eat animals,
• because people crave familiar flavors
• because it’s delicious
• because it’s healthier
• because we want to convince someone that tofu can be yummy

I don’t know why people would go around asking this question instead of living their own lives, but hey.. let’s cook some delicious tofu chicken !

What ingredients do we need to make tofu taste like chicken?

The ingredients are very simple and can be swapped easily to some extend. The basis of course is tofu.

TOFU

We need firm or extra firm tofu for this fried tofu chicken. Silken tofu won’t work here, as it’s too delicate. You can use smoked tofu, which already has a bit of this umami flavor.

For best results make sure to use tofu that was frozen before. Freezing changes the structure of tofu, so it becomes like a sponge. After you thaw and press it well, it basically soaks up happily every liquid you put it into. And that’s what we want – all this salty umami flavor inside.

I like to buy my tofu in bulk and toss all of it to the freezer. When I plan a dish with tofu I just take it out, let it thaw and press it. Now the tofu is ready to become anything you want it to be.

VEGETABLE BROTH

I use regular vegetable broth, as I haven’t found any vegan chickin broth where I live. If you have this kind of bouillon (lucky you) you are of course welcome to use it.

SOY SAUCE

Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor, that is typically connected to meat dishes. I used dark soy sauce, but any type will do. You can substitute soy sauce for tamari sauce or maggi seasoning.

SPICES

I buy mix spices for chicken that you can see on the picture below. Any mix of this type will do. Just check the ingredient list if there are no funny stuff inside (usually it’s just herbs, some salt, garlic, etc.).

I also used optional garlic powder while frying this crispy tofu chicken, as I believe it enhanced the flavor nicely.

FRYING OIL

Any high smoke point cooking oil will do; sunflower, colza, grape seed or peanut oil.

Recipe

Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken

Recipe by VegnFitCourse: SaladsCuisine: EuropeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Perfectly crispy outside with a juicy inside full of flavors this Tofu Fried Chicken will make you addicted to tofu. It is super easy to make and requires only few basic ingredients.

Ingredients

• block of tofu (firm or extra firm) 400g / 14 oz

• frying oil

• garlic granules (optional)

• BROTH FOR SOAKING

• 1.5-2 cup vegetable broth (or vegan chickn broth)
  

• 1 heaped tbsp spices for chicken

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Directions

• Take tofu out of the freezer and let it thaw (preferably overnight). I usually leave it in the packaging for that.
• When your tofu is at room temperature press all the liquid out of it. I usually put it between palms of my hands and press it this way. You can use special tofu press or put it on paper towels and place something heavy on it. When all the liquid is out your tofu is ready for soaking.
• Prepare the broth in a bowl that will fit all the tofu. When broth is no longer hot add spices and soy sauce.
• Crumble tofu into bite size pieces. You can also dice it.
• Place tofu in the broth and make sure all the pieces are submerged. Soak them for at least 30 minutes (you can do it overnight).
• Strain tofu, leaving the broth to use elsewhere. Heat the oil up on a frying pan.
• Fry pieces of tofu stirring occasionally until all sides are browned and crispy (around 10 minutes).

Notes

• You can use the same broth to marinate another batch of tofu, or you can use it to make a soup. Don’t throw it away.
• If you like hot dishes, you can use some sriracha or sweet and sour chili sauce. Pour it over tofu chicken in last two minutes of frying and stir well, so the sauce covers the pieces.
• Check detailed instructions of every step below the recipe.

Related Recipes

Vegan Chicken Salad – with Crispy Soy Chicken

Vegan Egg Salad – with one magic ingredient that makes it so real

Vegan Fish – Delicious Fried Tofu Fish

Make sure to check out:

What does tofu taste like? Beginners guide to tofu.

Can you freeze tofu?

UNFREZE TOFU

As I mentioned earlier, freezing tofu makes it way better for marinating. Structure becomes really spongy and soaks up all the flavors nicely.

I usually just leave packed tofu on the counter in a bowl or deep plate overnight.

After you unfreeze tofu you need to press it to get rid of any liquid inside. This way you make space for our flavorsome broth with spices.

CUT OR CRUMBLE TOFU

You can cut your tofu if you want equal size dice, but I prefer to crumple it with my hands. This way it will look more interesting after frying and you will get those nice super crispy edges. Yum!

PREPARE BROTH

If you have liquid broth, heat it up a little and pour it into big enough bowl. If you use bouillon cube dissolve it in hot water and wait for it to cool down a little. Add soy sauce and spices and mix everything well.

SOAK TOFU

Add tofu pieces into the broth and make sure they are all covered. I usually cover them with a small plate, that keeps them submerged. Leave them for 30 minutes (or overnight if you have time).

STRAIN TOFU

Strain tofu leaving broth for other purposes. You can put a new batch of tofu in it, use it in a soup or prepare a salad dressing.

Don’t press tofu – we don’t want to loose this precious flavorsome liquid that was just soaked up.

FRY TOFU

Heat the oil up and start frying tofu. We want the oil to be hot enough, so that our tofu chicken starts frying immediately. This way it will have crispy surface and juicy inside. You can check the temperature by placing just one piece on the pan.

ADDITIONAL SEASONING

I like the to add some garlic powder at this stage. You can go for other spices or herbs that you like.

Lately my hubby added sweet and sour chili sauce that covered all the pieces with a nice thick and hot layer. Make sure to add it when the surface of tofu fried chicken is crispy already.

HOW LONG TO FRY CRISPY CHICKEN TOFU

You want the surface to be nice and crunchy, but everyone likes different level of frying. I like when the edges of tofu are dark brown and really crispy. 10 minutes was enough for me. It all also depends on the pan that you use.

Questions and Answers

How to serve Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken?

You can be very creative here:

• put it on rice & curry,
• add it to salad, for example Vegan Chicken Salad,
• use it in Buddha bowl,
• in a wrap with fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and avocado.

Do you need to freeze tofu?

Freezing and thawing tofu is very recommended step in preparing this recipe. It improves the texture and ability for tofu to soak all the flavors. After tofu was frozen it becomes a little tougher, making it better meat alternative.

Please read the guide Can You Freeze Tofu? And How To Make It Taste Amazing? for more advice on the subject.

How to store Crispy Tofu Fried Chicken?

Tofu Fried Chicken tastes best straight from the pan, but it doesn’t mean you cannot eat it next day. It’s still ok even when it’s cold.

Sore it in the air tight container for 1 – 2 days. You can heat it up in the air fryer or on the pan.

You can also make crispy tofu fried chicken using TVP by following this recipe.

I would love to hear how did you like this guide How To Make Tofu Taste Like Chicken! Feel free to share the recipe on Pinterest and Yummly!

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