Vegetarian Crispy Fried Chicken Bites
Get ready to savor the irresistible crunch of these Vegetarian Crispy Fried Chicken Bites—a delightful plant-based twist on the classic favorite! Made with extra-firm tofu as the star ingredient, these bite-sized nuggets are marinated in spiced buttermilk and hot sauce, then dredged in a seasoned flour blend with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder for bold, savory flavors. Coated with cornstarch for an extra-crispy finish and fried to golden perfection, these tofu bites offer the ultimate texture and taste experience. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or main courses, these vegetarian "chicken" bites pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces. With a quick prep and cook time, they’ll be ready to impress in just under an hour! Ideal for vegetarians and those craving crispy fried goodness without the meat, this tofu-based recipe is sure to become a go-to crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 oz Extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 2 cups Canola oil
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
Instructions
Press the tofu to remove excess liquid. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, place it between two plates, and weigh it down with a heavy item for at least 15 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and submerge them in the buttermilk mixture. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme.
Heat the canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the tofu from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour ensuring they are evenly coated.
In a separate bowl or plate, place the cornstarch. Roll each floured tofu bite in the cornstarch to give an extra crispy texture.
Carefully place the coated tofu bites into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve hot and enjoy as is, or pair with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1376 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.4 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 28.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 7 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 745 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.0 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 20.2 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 433 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 269 mg | 6% | |
*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.
