Crispy Fried Tofu Steak

A Crispy Fried Tofu Steak recipe that is the perfect vegan version of a breaded steak. Tender tofu covered in crispy breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.

This Crispy Fried Tofu Steak is your plant-powered protein boost. Ditch the traditional meat options without sacrificing that much-needed protein punch. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your health goals.

Whether you’re serving it as a main, tossing it in salads for a protein boost, or creating a killer tofu wrap, it’s your canvas to paint with flavor.

Picture this: a golden-brown, perfectly crispy exterior giving way to a tender tofu interior. It’s the kind of crunch you won’t be able to get enough of.

So say goodbye to mystery ingredients. By whipping this up at home, you’re in control. Tailor the seasoning to your liking and savor a meal that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also aligns with your commitment to healthier choices.

Life’s busy, and we get that. That’s why this recipe keeps it real with simple ingredients and easy steps. Before you know it, you’ll be basking in the glory of your own golden-brown, crispy tofu creation.

We have included instructions for cooking in 2 ways: either deep-frying in oil or baking in an air fryer!

So, get ready for a flavor explosion – your taste buds are in for a treat! 🌱🍽️✨

Crispy Fried Tofu Steak Ingredients

Alright, let’s break down the ingredients for our Vegan Crispy Fried Tofu Steak:

Firm Tofu: We’re talking about the tofu that means business. Go for firm tofu – it’s got that perfect balance of structure and tenderness. Press it well, pat dry, then cut it into large steaks or bite-sized chunks, and get ready for tofu magic.

Flour: is the base for that initial coating. It’s like a snug blanket that helps the rest of the flavors stick to our tofu. Just enough to make things interesting without overwhelming our star ingredient.

Mayonnaise: we opt for vegan mayonnaise. This adds that creamy richness to our batter and replaces eggs as the binder, keeping the recipe vegan. It’s the bridge that connects all the flavors, ensuring each bite is an explosion of taste. You can also use regular mayonnaise if you are not vegan, but we simply do not like the taste of classic mayonnaise! Or, you could also use beaten eggs as the binder instead of mayonnaise (skip the water if you’re using eggs).

Water: will help make our batter just the right consistency – not too thick, not too thin. Think of it as the backstage crew, quietly ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Spices: to give the tofu flavor we will use a blend of spices – pepper, salt, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. You can also shake it up by using spices more to your liking, or adding some chili powder for an extra kick.

Breadcrumbs: They’re here to transform our tofu into crispy delights. Choose your breadcrumbs wisely – we want that perfect golden crunch that’ll make each bite a symphony of textures. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko.

These ingredients will help us create the perfect breaded tofu steaks. 

Then, it’s up to you if you choose to fry them in vegetable oil, or in an air fryer (both are possible!)

Now let’s take a closer look at the cooking process step-by-step!

How to make Crispy Fried Tofu Steak

Alright, let’s dive into the cooking adventure that’ll turn your tofu into golden-brown perfection:

Tofu Prep:
Begin by giving your tofu the VIP treatment. If your tofu is a bit watery, press it down with a heavy pot for 10 minutes so it releases the extra water. Pat it dry with a paper towel, ensuring it’s ready to soak up all those incredible flavors. Now, cut it lengthwise into four slices, setting the stage for the crispy transformation.

Breading:
The next step is coating the tofu steaks like you would with meat or vegetables. You’ll need 3 plates for this step.

First, add flour to plate no. 1.

Now, in a deep plate or large bowl (plate no. 2), mix the mayonnaise, spices, and water until they’re fully combined into a smooth batter. 

Add breadcrumbs to plate no. 3.

Coating:
It’s showtime! Take each tofu slice on a journey through the plates. Flour first, giving it a delicate dusting, but make sure the flour fully coats the tofu on all sides. This will help the next ingredients stick to the tofu. Shake off excess flour.

Then, into the mayonnaise mix in plate no.2, where it gets a bathed in the batter.

Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring each slice is fully and evenly coated. Repeat until all four tofu slices are ready for their golden debut.

Frying:
Now, it’s time to set the stage for the sizzle. You can either deep-fry the tofu steaks in oil OR bake them in an air fryer.

To fry in oil: Heat a large frying pan, and pour in enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Test the oil’s readiness by using a wooden cooking spoon; if it’s surrounded by bubbling excitement, or if a droplet of batter dances to the top, you’re ready to fry.

Gently lay your breaded tofu slices onto the hot oil – this is where the magic happens. A few minutes on each side, and watch as they transform into a golden spectacle. When they’re golden brown, it’s time to remove them from the oil. Place them on a paper towel letting it absorb any excess oil.

Repeat with all tofu steaks. 

To air fry: Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures that the tofu steaks will cook evenly and become crispy. Give a light spritz of oil to the breaded steaks, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Bake them for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on the tofu steaks as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model. They should turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside.

Once your tofu steaks are golden brown and crispy, you’re ready to serve! See below some of our favorite serving suggestions.

Troubleshooting

• Why won’t my tofu get crispy?
  Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. If your tofu isn’t pressed thoroughly before cooking and/or patted dry, it retains water, preventing the outer layer from becoming crispy. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top to press out excess moisture.
• What type of tofu can I use?
  The type of tofu matters. Extra-firm or super-firm tofu is best for achieving a crispy exterior. Softer varieties may not hold up as well during the cooking process.
• Can I fry these tofu steaks in the air fryer?
  Absolutely! You can achieve wonderfully crispy tofu steaks using an air fryer. Here’s a simple guide on how to air fry tofu steaks: Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the tofu steaks will cook evenly and become crispy. Place the tofu steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on the tofu steaks as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model. They should turn golden brown and become crispy on the outside.

Serving suggestions

Crispy Fried Tofu Steaks can be served in several fun ways! We like it best with a bowl of jasmine rice and some stir-fried vegetables in sesame sauce, but here are more tasty combinations to try: 

• With rice: 
  Create a vibrant rice bowl by serving your crispy tofu atop a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired feast.
• Stiry-fried vegetables: 
  Pair your crispy tofu with a colorful stir-fry of fresh vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas sautéed to perfection in a sesame sauce create a harmonious medley of flavors and textures.
• Taco night:
  Transform your crispy tofu into the star of a taco night. Load up soft taco shells with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of your favorite vegan sour cream or salsa.
• Filling salad:
  Elevate your salad game by adding crispy tofu as a crunchy protein. Toss it into a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your preferred dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Noodle Bowl:
  Dive into a bowl of noodle goodness by pairing your crispy tofu with your favorite noodles and a savory broth. Top it off with bean sprouts, cilantro, and a splash of lime for an unforgettable noodle bowl experience.
• Bento Box Delight:
  Pack your crispy tofu slices in a bento box alongside sushi rice, pickled vegetables, and seaweed sheets for a Japanese-inspired lunch on the go.
• Dipping Station:
  Create a dipping station with various sauces like sweet chili, teriyaki, or peanut sauce. Let your guests dip and savor the crispy goodness with an explosion of complementary flavors.
• Wrap it Up:
  Roll your crispy tofu into a wrap with your favorite veggies and a generous spread of hummus or tahini. Portable, satisfying, and perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Here is a recipe!

Remember, the beauty of crispy tofu lies in its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize your serving style based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving a bowl, a taco, or a salad, let your crispy tofu steal the spotlight in a variety of delectable ways!

Storage tips

Crispy fried tofu is best enjoyed fresh as soon as it is fried. But if you want to store it for later, here are some storing tips to help keep your crispy tofu steaks fresh and delicious:

Refrigerate:
Store any leftover tofu steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration helps maintain their freshness and prevents the growth of bacteria.

Separate Layers:
If you have multiple tofu steaks, place parchment paper or plastic wrap between them before storing them. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their crispy coating.

Use Within a Few Days:
Crispy tofu is best enjoyed when fresh. Consume your leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating:
When reheating, consider using an oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave. This helps preserve the crispy exterior. Preheat the oven to around 350°F (175°C) and bake for a few minutes until warmed through.

Air Fryer Reheating:
For an extra crispy touch, you can use the air fryer to reheat your tofu steaks. Heat them at a lower temperature than the initial cooking, around 325°F (160°C), for a few minutes until they reach your desired warmth.

Freezing (Caution):
We do not recommend freezing these crispy fried tofu steaks as the freezing process will change the texture of the tofu.

If you intend to freeze, do so before cooking. Freeze the pressed and sliced tofu in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before coating and frying or air frying.

Re-crisping (Optional):
If your leftover tofu loses some of its crispiness, you can re-crisp it in the air fryer or oven. Heat it at a high temperature for a short time to restore its crunchiness.

Serve with Fresh Sides:
If you plan to store and reheat your tofu, consider serving it with fresh sides, like a side salad or stir-fried vegetables, to enhance the overall meal experience.

Remember, while crispy tofu is delightfully fresh, reheating might not fully replicate the initial crispiness. However, these tips should help you maintain the best possible texture when enjoying your leftovers.

More similar recipes:

Crispy Tofu Tortilla Wraps

Perfect Vegan Tofu Scramble

Basil Tomato Tofu Sandwich

Vegan Spring Roll Noodle Bowl

This recipe is sponsored by Hofer.