Crispy Southern Tofu Bites
Indulge in these crispy Southern Tofu Bites, a delightful twist on traditional fried fare! Perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying, these tofu triangles boast a golden-brown exterior that gives way to a soft and flavorful center. The blend of nutritional yeast and herbs creates a mouthwatering coating that is both healthy and delicious. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also a wonderful addition to any meal or as a stand-alone snack. Gather your ingredients, and let’s fry up some finger-lickin’ goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm tofu
1 lb (rinsed and patted dry)
nutritional yeast flakes
1 1/2 cups
salt
1-2 teaspoons
garlic granules
1 teaspoon
onion powder
1 teaspoon
dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon
dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon
dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon
dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon
curry powder
1/2 teaspoon
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon
ground rosemary
1/4 teaspoon
ground celery seed
1/4 teaspoon
milk (preferably non-dairy)
2/3 cup
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons
whole wheat flour
2/3 cup (as needed (or white flour))
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (more or less as needed for browning tofu)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the firm tofu into three equal slabs. Wrap each slab tightly in a clean tea towel or paper towel to absorb moisture, and place a weight on top. Allow the tofu to press for 45 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can gently press to remove as much moisture as possible.
2
In a wide, shallow mixing bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, salt, garlic granules, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, tarragon, dill weed, basil, oregano, curry powder, dry mustard, rosemary, and ground celery seed. Stir the spices thoroughly until evenly mixed to create your seasoning blend.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk and fresh lemon juice to create a soured milk substitute. Pour the whole wheat flour into another mixing bowl and set aside.
4
Once the tofu has pressed, cut each slab into four equal triangles, yielding 12 triangles in total. Take one triangle at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off excess flour. Then dip it into the soured milk, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it generously with the seasoning mix.
5
In a large skillet, add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the tofu triangles in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes, then carefully turn the pieces to cook the other side until browned and crispy.
6
As the tofu cooks, adjust the heat and add more oil if necessary to maintain the frying temperature. Once cooked, transfer the tofu bites to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
7
Serve hot and enjoy these delectable Crispy Southern Tofu Bites as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Southern Tofu Bites?
They are seasoned tofu triangles with a golden-brown crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful center, designed as a vegan alternative to traditional fried fare.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it uses firm tofu, nutritional yeast, and non-dairy milk, making it entirely plant-based.
How much tofu is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of firm tofu, rinsed and patted dry.
How long should the tofu be pressed?
The recipe recommends pressing the tofu for 45 minutes to absorb moisture.
Can I make this recipe if I am short on time?
Yes, if you're in a hurry, you can gently press the tofu manually to remove as much moisture as possible instead of the full 45 minutes.
How many pieces does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 12 tofu triangles.
What is used for the coating base?
The coating base consists of 1 1/2 cups of nutritional yeast flakes mixed with various herbs and spices.
What spices are in the seasoning blend?
The blend includes garlic granules, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, tarragon, dill weed, basil, oregano, curry powder, dry mustard, rosemary, and ground celery seed.
How do I make the soured milk substitute?
Whisk together 2/3 cup of non-dairy milk and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 2/3 cup whole wheat flour or white flour.
What is the first step in prepping the tofu?
Begin by cutting the firm tofu into three equal slabs before pressing.
How do I cut the tofu into triangles?
After pressing the three slabs, cut each slab into four equal triangles.
What is the dredging process?
Dredge the tofu in flour, dip it into the soured milk, and then coat it generously with the seasoning mix.
What temperature should I use for frying?
The tofu should be fried in a skillet over medium-high heat.
How much oil is required?
Approximately 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil is used, but you may add more as needed for browning.
How long does it take to fry the tofu bites?
Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
How do I ensure the tofu fries evenly?
Place the triangles in a single layer in the skillet and ensure they are not overcrowded.
What should I do after frying the tofu?
Transfer the cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Are these tofu bites healthy?
The recipe uses nutritional yeast and herbs for a healthy coating and can be classified as a plant-based snack.
What is the role of nutritional yeast in this recipe?
It provides a savory, cheesy flavor and creates the bulk of the crispy coating.
Can I use dairy milk?
While non-dairy milk is preferred, the recipe lists it generally as milk, so dairy milk could be used if preferred.
Does this recipe contain curry powder?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder is included in the seasoning blend.
What herbs are used in the coating?
Parsley, tarragon, dill weed, basil, oregano, and rosemary are all used.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1-2 teaspoons of salt.
How should the tofu bites be served?
They should be served hot as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
What type of flour is recommended?
Whole wheat flour is suggested, but white flour is a valid substitute.
Can I use ground celery seed?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground celery seed is part of the spice mixture.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The exterior is golden-brown and crispy while the interior remains soft.
Is garlic powder used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic granules.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include tofu, southern, fried, vegan, snack, appetizer, healthy, crispy, and plant-based.