Experience the mouthwatering flavors of Vegan Saganaki, a plant-based twist on the beloved Greek appetizer traditionally made with fried cheese. This recipe transforms firm tofu into a golden, crispy delight by marinating it in a zesty lemon mixture and coating it in a flavorful blend of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, oregano, and flour. Pan-fried to perfection in olive oil, each tofu slab is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Topped with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for a refreshing finish, this dish is quick to make—ready in just 25 minutes—and ideal as a starter or light entrée. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a creative take on saganaki, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Drain and press the tofu to remove excess water. Use a tofu press or place the tofu between paper towels and weigh it down with a heavy object for at least 15 minutes.
Once pressed, cut the tofu block into 4 even slabs.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the nutritional yeast, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
In another shallow dish, mix the lemon juice and water to create a marinating mixture.
Dip each tofu slab into the lemon marinade first and then coat evenly with the flour mixture. Ensure all sides are well coated.
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu slabs to the pan once the oil is hot.
Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Let the tofu slabs rest for a moment to cool slightly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy your Vegan Saganaki warm as an appetizer or part of a main dish.
Calories |
843 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.6 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1255 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 44.7 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 521 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 974 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.