Fried Tofu Sticks Recipes

CRISPY FRIED TOFU SANDWICH

Steps:

• For the tofu: Slice the tofu in half widthwise and then across to create 4 large pieces. Arrange the pieces in a large microwave-safe airtight container (some overlap is ok) and freeze overnight.
• Remove the lid from the container and microwave the tofu on high, stopping every 2 minutes to pour off the water and check if the tofu is thawed, about 6 minutes,. Transfer the tofu to a strainer while making the brine.
• Whisk the pickle juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in the same airtight container. Gently press the tofu pieces between your palms to expel any excess water, then nestle in the brine in an even layer. Cover and marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
• For the sandwich: Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper together in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pickle brine to create clumps. Whisk the Dijon and maple syrup plus 2 tablespoons of warm water together in a separate small shallow bowl.
• Pour 2 inches of oil into a large high-sided skillet or a Dutch oven and set over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
• While the oil is heating, dredge the tofu. Remove one piece from the brine and toss in the flour mixture to coat, shaking off the excess. Dip in the Dijon mixture, making sure all sides are coated, then dredge in the flour again, pressing to adhere the flour. Transfer the coated tofu to a plate while coating the rest.
• Add all four pieces of tofu to the hot oil, leaving space between each piece. (Fry in batches if the skillet is getting crowded.) Fry until the coating is a deep golden brown, flipping the tofu halfway, about 5 minutes. Transfer the fried tofu to paper towels or a baking sheet lined with a wire rack to drain.
• Spread some Vegan Buffalo Mayo on the burger buns, add a piece of tofu to each and layer with some lettuce and dill pickles.
• Add the tofu, hot sauce, Dijon, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt to a blender or food processor. Blend on high, stopping to scrape the sides as needed, until the mixture is smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a pint jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

FRIED TOFU STICKS

Steps:

• Toast the bread crumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Mix in the oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.
• Cut the block of tofu horizontally in half. Then cut it in half the long way. Make 5 cuts perpendicular to the long cut, creating 24 pieces. Cover a sheet pan with paper towels. Place the tofu in one layer on the towels. Blot the tofu, pressing it gently with additional towels to remove excess moisture.
• Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 375 degrees F. Cover a second baking sheet with more paper towels. Place the beaten eggs in a wide, shallow dish.
• Dip the tofu in the egg. Dredge the pieces in the bread crumb mixture until completely coated. Slip the breaded tofu into the hot oil, 3 or 4 pieces at a time. Fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from pan using a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.
• Serve immediately, accompanied by the Honey Mustard for dipping. Or, let the sticks cool and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Before serving, recrisp by baking in a 350 degree F oven for about 12 minutes.
• Puree the tofu in a food processor. Add the mustard, honey, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, dry mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. The finished dipping sauce will have the texture of runny mayonnaise.
• Turn the sauce into a container, cover, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours. This gives the ingredients time to meld and their flavors to develop. Chilling thickens the sauce to a spreadable texture. Stirring brings it back to the texture of a dip or a thick sauce. (This condiment will keep for up to 1 week, tightly covered and refrigerated.)

BAKED TOFU STICKS

Steps:

• Cut tofu into 3-by-1/2-inch sticks. Arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a double layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Top tofu with another double layer of paper towels or kitchen towel. Place another baking sheet or a baking dish on top, and press down firmly. Weigh down with heavy cans; let stand until tofu has released excess liquid, at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour. Pressed tofu sticks can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly brush a baking sheet with oil; set aside. Pat tofu dry. Lightly season tofu, if desired. Arrange tofu sticks in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 1/2 inch apart. Bake tofu, turning halfway through, until both sides are crisp and light golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with tomato sauce.