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Vegetarian fried chicken offers a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, providing a meat-free alternative for those craving the satisfying crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken. Made from plant-based ingredients such as textured vegetable protein, tofu, or seitan, these meatless options are coated in a seasoned breading and fried to crispy perfection.
Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a tasty alternative or simply curious to explore new culinary horizons, vegetarian fried chicken offers a delicious and satisfying option that’s sure to please your taste buds.
4 servings
Serving
20 minutes
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu or seitan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
- Prepare Tofu or Seitan: Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture, or prepare the seitan according to package instructions. Cut tofu or seitan into desired shapes, such as strips or nuggets.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Dip in Milk Mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together plant-based milk and hot sauce (if using).
- Coat in Breadcrumb Mixture: Dip each piece of tofu or seitan into the flour mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Milk Mixture Again: Dip the coated tofu or seitan into the milk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumb Mixture Again: Dip the tofu or seitan back into the flour mixture, coating evenly. Press gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the surface.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C) over medium-high heat.
- Fry: Carefully place the coated tofu or seitan pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Drain: Once cooked, transfer the fried vegetarian chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your favorite sides.
Tips for making vegetarian fried chicken
Here are some tips for making delicious vegetarian fried chicken:
- Choose the Right Base: Whether you’re using tofu, seitan, tempeh, or another plant-based protein, selecting the right base is crucial. Choose a firm texture that can hold up to breading and frying without becoming too mushy.
- Press Firm Tofu: If using tofu, be sure to press it to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb flavors better and ensures a crispier texture when frying.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the tofu or seitan before breading can add extra flavor. Use a marinade with herbs, spices, and seasonings of your choice to infuse the protein with delicious flavors.
- Season the Breading: Don’t skimp on seasoning the breading mixture. Add herbs, spices, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or any other seasonings you like to enhance the flavor of the vegetarian fried chicken.
- Double Dipping: For extra crispy results, double dip the tofu or seitan in the breading mixture. This involves coating the protein in flour, dipping it in a liquid (such as plant-based milk or a batter), and then coating it in the breading mixture again.
- Preheat the Oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the vegetarian chicken to the pan. This ensures that the breading crisps up quickly and prevents the tofu or seitan from absorbing too much oil.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Fry the vegetarian chicken in batches to ensure that each piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Use the Right Oil: Use a high-heat oil with a neutral flavor, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without imparting any unwanted flavors.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the vegetarian chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the breading and prevents the final dish from becoming too greasy.
- Serve Immediately: Vegetarian fried chicken is best served hot and fresh. Enjoy it immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making mouthwatering vegetarian fried chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright irresistible!
Some suggestions about choosing deep fryer for vegetarian fried chicken
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