Vegan Crispy Tofu “Chicken” Tenders
If there is one thing I crave on the weekends, it’s a fun vegan item like burgers or chicken tenders! I typically love to make everything from scratch, but there are so many good options today that it’s hard to desire a homemade option. I solidly believe though, with just about all foods, homemade is always better!
When it comes to tofu, it’s either you love it or hate it. If you hate it, it’s typically due to your preparation method not being effective. I personally love tofu in all ways, but the method that proves to be such a game changer is, freezing! Freezing allows the tofu to take on a animal protein like texture and is just such a more memorable experience. If you have a lil extra time, simply slice and throw it in the freezer to keep for when a craving strikes.
When thinking of the next best tofu creation since I’m hooked on freezing, I knew we had to do a chicken tenders! All I can say is, wow, so good! I thought about air frying, but you won’t get the same texture that mirrors a traditional chicken sandwich. If you’re worried about excess oils, post frying you can place it in the air fryer or even the following day and they naturally come out!
What’s fab about these easy tofu chicken tenders? Honestly, everything! It’s so easy to throw together, features staple ingredients, you can even mix up the marinade ingredients, switch up your dips, the outer texture is perfection, the inner texture is chewy, it’s perfect for any season, you can use this method and make sandwiches, they mirror the look and feel of chicken, and marinating them in pickle juice just puts them over the top!
If you’re searching for the perfect homemade faux chicken dish, this is it! You have to try these NEW vegan Crispy Tofu Chicken Tenders!
Why this recipe is great:
Perfect inner texture
Perfect exterior texture
Perfect for any season
Cheap
Easy
Hint of heat with a hint of sweet
The sauce can be used for countless other dishes!
Vegan Crispy Tofu “Chicken” Fingers
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 - 10 Chicken Fingers 1x
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu Chicken Fingers:
- 1 package extra firm tofu, drained
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, mild-med
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Few cracks of black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice extra firm tofu into tender size portions. Place in a bag and freeze overnight.
- In the morning wrap with paper towels and place in the fridge to thaw. Freezing the tofu creates a chewy animal protein like
- Place the tenders in a bowl with the pickle juice. Let marinate for 10 minutes. Flip mid way.
- In bowl add the hot sauce.
- On a flat plate add the flour, cornstarch and spices.
- Pour 1/2 cup of oil into a small/medium size pan. Place on med/high heat.
- Remove tofu from marinating and place into the flour mixture. Be sure to coat all sides with the mixture. Let it sit there for 5 mins.
- Now brush the hot sauce mixture onto the tofu coating all sides, then place it back into the flour mixture coating again. Shake off any excess then gently place into the oil.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark. Sprinkle with salt and place on a cooling rack for 5 minutes to remove any excess oil. Serve with sauce of choice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
