Vegetarian Crispy Pork Belly
Experience the irresistible crunch and savory flavor of Vegetarian Crispy Pork Belly—a plant-based twist on a meaty classic! Made with extra firm tofu and infused with a smoky, sweet, and umami-packed marinade of soy sauce, hoisin, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke, this mouthwatering recipe delivers all the satisfying textures without the pork. The tofu is carefully pressed, sliced into belly-like strips, marinated, and coated in cornstarch for the ultimate crispy finish when pan-fried to golden perfection. Topped with fresh green onions and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a burst of vibrant flavor, this dish makes a stellar centerpiece or a delightful addition to rice bowls, salads, or noodles. Perfect for vegan and vegetarian food lovers searching for indulgent yet cruelty-free alternatives, this recipe will pique your curiosity and excite your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 stalks green onions
Instructions
Start by pressing the extra firm tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a weighted object, such as a heavy skillet, on top for about 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke to create a marinade.
After pressing the tofu, slice it into 1/2-inch thick strips, mimicking the appearance of pork belly slices.
Place the tofu strips in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even flavoring.
In a separate bowl, add cornstarch and coat each marinated tofu slice evenly by lightly dredging them in the cornstarch.
Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the tofu slices in the skillet in a single layer, without overcrowding.
Pan-fry the tofu slices for about 5 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Finely chop the green onions and sprinkle over the cooked tofu for added freshness and flavor.
Before serving, sprinkle the crispy tofu with crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Enjoy your Vegetarian Crispy Pork Belly as a main dish or as a delicious addition to salads, rice bowls, or noodle dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1147 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.6 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2326 mg | 101% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 66.6 g | 133% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1467 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1012 mg | 22% | |
*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.
