Crispy Tofu Katsu [Vegan]

Vegan tofu katsu is the right accent to stir-fry noodles, on high of a fluffy mattress of rice, or shared with a light-weight soup. It may be air-fried, baked within the oven, or seared on a skillet – no matter means you select, this will change into your favourite means of having fun with tofu.

Elements

Sauce:

1/2 cup coconut aminos (soy sauce subsitute)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

Different:

1 block extra-firm natural tofu

1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (I take advantage of Cauli Crunch, discovered at Entire Meals)

1 cup cassava flour (or another flour like almond or all-purpose)

1 cup + filter water or plant milk

Pinch of salt

Preparation

First, make the marinating sauce by combining all components and whisking. Put aside.

Take away the extra-firm tofu from the package deal, drain and set onto a towel. Wrap the tofu within the towel and place a heavy pan on high. Should you’re fancy, use a tofu press. Press the liquid out over 10-Quarter-hour after which switch it to a chopping board.

Utilizing a big knife, take the tofu block on its facet the slice downward, making three even tofu slabs.

Marinate the slabs within the sauce for 10 minutes (minimally), reserving some for dipping afterward.

Utilizing two separate bowls; create a crunch station. Begin by including one cup flour and one cup water; whereas mixing, slowly add sufficient water till it is at a consistency that may coat the tofu slab with out sliding off and throw in a pinch of salt. In a separate shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

Take away one tofu slab and dunk it within the batter, protecting all sides. Subsequent, switch to the breadcrumb bowl and canopy with a good layer; set onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Add extra breadcrumbs to any naked areas throughout switch. Repeat this for the opposite tofu slabs.

Select which technique you propose to cook dinner the tofu katsu: Air-fry: set the air fryer temperature to 400 levels Fahrenheit and cook dinner for Quarter-hour, flipping midway. Bake: set the temperature to 375 levels Fahrenheit and cook dinner for 20 minutes, flipping midway. Pan-fry: in a nonstick giant frying pan, add oil on medium warmth and cook dinner either side for six minutes or till golden brown on each side.

Take away from warmth and slice the great distance creating ½-inch-wide strips (see picture beneath). I favor thinner over thick slices; lower to your choice!

Use the reserved marinade as a dipping sauce or drizzle it excessive! Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds for added flare.

Notes

Retailer any leftovers within the fridge in an hermetic container for as much as three days.

I like to recommend the air fryer baking technique or pan frying because it ends in a very crispy crunch, excellent for vegan katsu!

You’ll be able to serve it on high of a noodle stir-fry, a fluffy mattress of brown rice, sushi rice, or as a facet to a light-weight soup like ramen. Hold it gluten-free utilizing cauliflower rice.