Description
Scrumptious Mediterranean-inspired tofu chicken delights palates with perfectly seasoned plant-based protein. Crispy exterior and tender center make this dish an irresistible choice for global cuisine enthusiasts you’ll want to savor immediately.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz (680 g) traditional or medium tofu (not silken)
- 1 cup double-strength chicken-style broth
- 1 cup neutral frying oil (canola)
- 1 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour
- 1 cup crispy puffed rice, crushed
- ¾ cup chickpea flour
- ¾ cup ice cold water, divided
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Tofu Preparation: Extract moisture from firm tofu through a double freeze-thaw technique, pressing firmly with a kitchen towel to achieve a meat-like consistency and optimal texture.
- Texture Crafting: Tear tofu into rustic, uneven chunks resembling chicken pieces, maintaining uniform size for consistent cooking and authentic appearance.
- Seasoning Blend: Whisk together flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, ensuring thorough spice distribution for maximum flavor infusion.
- Coating Technique: Create a smooth chickpea flour batter, then methodically coat tofu pieces by first dredging in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage by gently pressing and rolling.
- Breading Process: Dip flour-coated tofu into chickpea liquid, allowing excess to drip off, then generously roll in rice flour to develop an ultra-crispy, golden exterior.
- Frying Method: Heat canola oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, carefully introducing tofu in small batches to prevent overcrowding and achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness, cooking 2-3 minutes per side.
- Finishing Touch: Extract fried tofu with a slotted spoon, transferring to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain optimal crunchiness.
Notes
- Maximize Texture Transformation: Double freeze-thaw tofu method breaks down cellular structure, creating a more meat-like, tender consistency that mimics chicken’s texture.
- Precise Coating Technique: Systematic layering of seasoned flour, chickpea batter, and rice flour ensures maximum crispiness and flavor penetration for each tofu piece.
- Temperature Control Matters: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature to prevent soggy or burnt exterior, guaranteeing perfect golden-brown crunch every time.
- Batch Frying Strategy: Cook tofu in small quantities to prevent oil temperature drop and ensure each piece gets evenly crisp and beautifully browned surfaces.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 573 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg