Vegetarian Crispy Fried Pork Belly
Satisfy your craving for crispy indulgence with this mouthwatering Vegetarian Crispy Fried Pork Belly recipe! Crafted from firm tofu, this innovative dish reimagines the rich, chewy texture and golden crispiness of traditional pork belly without the meat. Marinated in a luscious blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke, the tofu absorbs a smoky-sweet depth of flavor before being coated in a perfectly seasoned cornstarch mixture and fried to irresistible perfection. Ready in under an hour, this plant-based delight is ideal for vegetarians and flexitarians alike, offering a high-protein option with a delectable crunch. Serve these golden tofu strips as a savory appetizer, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, or add them to rice bowls and stir-fries for an unforgettable meal. Whether you're exploring meat alternatives or simply craving something bold and crispy, this recipe is sure to impress!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 2 cups Vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes.
Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2 inch thick slices, aiming for a shape similar to pork belly strips.
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke to create a marinade.
Place the tofu slices in the marinade. Turn the slices to ensure they are fully coated and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Remove each tofu slice from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then coat each piece evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
Carefully place the coated tofu slices into the hot oil. Fry them in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy fried vegetarian 'pork belly' slices hot, with your preferred dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4190 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 437.5 g | 561% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.2 g | 311% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 268.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2999 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.9 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 48.0 g | 96% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 651 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 855 mg | 18% | |
*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.
