How to make tofu taste like chicken! Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken

Name: How to make tofu taste like chicken! Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 565 min
Ingredients: 13 oz extra-firm tofu (1 block; approx. 370g); ½ cup soy milk (unsweetened; approx. 120ml); ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar (approx. 7ml); 2 tbsp soy sauce (approx. 30ml); 1 tbsp sriracha (or hot sauce; to taste); ¾ cup chicken coating mix (vegan-friendly; approx. 75g. I used Tandaco Coating Mix for Southern Fried Chicken); vegetable oil (for shallow frying, approx. ½ inch (1 cm) in pan); ¼ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Making Crispy Vegan Tofu Chicken: A Delightful Substitute for Fried Chicken

Have you ever craved the taste and texture of fried chicken but wanted to stick to a plant-based diet? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Crispy Vegan Tofu Chicken. Made by freezing, thawing, and pressing extra firm tofu, this recipe creates a meaty, crispy substitute for traditional fried chicken.

Plate of tofu chicken with sriracha mayo on marble benchtop with linen napkin.

Plate with crumbed tofu chicken and small bowl of sriracha mayo.

Is Tofu Healthier than Chicken?

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a soybean food. It is an excellent source of protein and contains all of the essential amino acids our bodies need. Tofu is also low in calories and fat and a good iron and calcium source. Conversely, chicken is a lean source of protein, but it also contains cholesterol and saturated fat.

While both foods have nutritional benefits, tofu is a healthier option for those looking to reduce their cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

Does Tofu Taste Like Chicken?

Tofu has a very subtle taste and texture, but it absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it is cooked with. Proper seasoning and preparation can transform tofu to mimic the taste and texture of chicken. But usually, without seasoning, it does not taste like chicken.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients that give this recipe its “chicken-like” taste and texture are soy milk, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha.

Soy milk is used as the base of the coating mixture and provides a creamy, tangy flavor similar to buttermilk. It also helps give a slight thickness to the coating, allowing it to stick to the tofu.
Apple cider vinegar is added to the soy milk mixture and curdles it; this gives it the same tangy flavor and thickness as buttermilk. It also works to tenderize the tofu and help the coating to stick.
Soy sauce is added for a savory and umami flavor; it’s a great ingredient to add depth and richness to the coating and also helps to season the tofu.
Sriracha or hot sauce adds a little heat to the coating; it gives it a nice kick of spiciness. This ingredient is optional but a great addition for those who like some heat on their meals.
Chicken coating mix is a mix of flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and any other seasonings you choose. This mix adds a crispy texture to the tofu and mimics the fried chicken flavor. You can find these mixes in supermarkets or make your own.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe:

Extra firm tofu
Soy milk
Apple cider vinegar
Soy sauce
Sriracha or hot sauce
Chicken coating mix (make sure it’s vegan friendly)
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Follow along with this step-by-step guide to make your Crispy Vegan Tofu Chicken. You’ll find all the exact times, temperatures, and measurements in the recipe card below.

Hands stacking two books over a block of tofu wrapped in paper towel to press out moisture.

Step one: Press the tofu, then freeze for at least 8 hours to firm it up.

Hands tearing into thawed and pressed tofu, revealing a fibrous, meaty texture inside.

Step two: Thaw the tofu, press again, and tear into bite-sized chunks.

A woman grinding black pepper into a large blue bowl of vegan buttermilk mixture on the counter.

Step three: Whisk soy milk, vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to make the “buttermilk” coating; pour into a bowl alongside the seasoning mix in another.

Hands mixing torn tofu chunks into a seasoned vegan buttermilk marinade in a blue bowl.

Step four: Soak tofu chunks in the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the chicken seasoning mix.

Crispy golden tofu piece being lifted from a hot pan with tongs, surrounded by sizzling fried chunks.

Step five: Heat about 1 cm of oil in a frypan over medium-high heat and shallow-fry the tofu until golden on all sides.

Two hands tearing open a crispy tofu piece, revealing its tender, layered, chicken-like texture inside.

Step six: Drain on paper towel and serve immediately with your favorite condiments.

Substitutions

This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, but if you don’t have some of the listed ingredients on hand, there are easy substitutions that you can make.

Soy milk can be replaced with unsweetened, plain plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute regular white vinegar or lemon juice.
Sriracha can be replaced with your preferred hot sauce or even a bit of cayenne pepper as a substitution.
Suppose you can’t find a vegan-friendly chicken coating mix. In that case, you can make your own by mixing flour, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and any other seasonings you choose.

Storage Instructions

This recipe is best served fresh and hot, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 350F/175C for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them. However, the crumb will not be crispy.

FAQs

Can tofu replace chicken in recipes?

Yes, tofu can be used as a replacement for chicken in many recipes. It can absorb the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with.

Is tofu healthy to eat daily?

Yes, tofu is healthy to eat daily. It is low in calories and fat and high in protein, iron, and calcium. However, as with all foods, moderation is key. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is essential for overall health.

Can I use another type of tofu other than extra firm?

Extra firm tofu is the best option for this recipe. It’s the densest and most vital type of tofu and can hold its shape and texture the best when frozen and thawed. However, you could try with firm tofu and see the results. It could give a different texture and absorb less liquid, but you can still make it work. Do not use silken, semi-firm, or soft tofu; they are weak and will not work.

How long does it take to freeze and thaw the tofu?

The freezing process for the tofu can take about 8-9 hours, depending on the size of your block and freezer. The thawing process can vary; you can use the microwave on a low setting or leave it at room temperature.

Can I use this recipe to make Tofu Nuggets?

Yes, you can use this recipe to make tofu nuggets. Just cut the tofu into small nugget-sized pieces before coating and frying.

How can I reheat the leftovers?

To reheat the leftovers, place the tofu in the oven or air fryer at 350F/175C for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them. However, the crumb will not be crispy.

Conclusion

This recipe for Crispy Vegan Tofu Chicken is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. By freezing, thawing, and pressing the tofu, it creates a meaty and crispy texture that is perfect for satisfying those fried chicken cravings. Experiment with different seasonings and condiments to make it your own, and enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below about your experience making this recipe or any variations you tried. In addition, if you’re looking to experiment with some more vegan mock meats, make sure to try my Vegan Roast Seitan, Mushroom Pate or Lemon Glazed Tofu.