Tofu has been a mainstay for me since my college years. Ten years later and I am still making this recipe because it has never steered me wrong. What sets it apart from the other tofu dishes is the pre-soak in vegetarian chicken broth. By doing this, you end up with a product that tastes almost like chicken. Most of the spices are ones that you can easily find in your kitchen, though you may need to visit a natural foods market to find the nutritional yeast. I like to serve these tofu sticks with a simple dipping sauce made from Vegenaise, ketchup, and pickle relish. Then serve with a side of peas and mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Beyond its great taste and versatility, tofu also offers notable health benefits compared to animal-based protein sources. It is naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat, which can support heart health. Tofu is also a good source of plant-based protein, iron, and calcium, making it a nutritious option for a wide range of diets. Additionally, it contains beneficial compounds called isoflavones, which have been linked to reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Choosing tofu over animal proteins can be a simple way to incorporate more nutrient-dense, plant-based foods into your meals while supporting overall wellness.
Lightly breaded tofu
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 cups “Better Than Bouillon Vegetarian No Chicken Base”
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Cut pressed tofu into 1/2-inch-thick slices; then cut again into 1/2-inch-wide sticks. Place tofu in a bowl and pour broth over the top. Set aside to soak. The longer the soak, the more the flavor seems to penetrate.
In a separate bowl, stir together flour, yeast, salt, pepper, sage, garlic/onion powders and cayenne.
Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Use a colander to strain the liquid off the tofu sticks. No need to press the tofu at this point, just let all the liquid drip off. Roll sticks in breading. You may choose to shake the tofu and breading mixture in a plastic bag or tub with tight lid to save time. Place tofu in hot oil; fry until crisp and browned on all sides. Add more oil if necessary. Make a simple dip of Vegenaise, ketchup, and pickle relish if you desire.
Gina Howe has been vegan since 2011. She has been a registered nurse for 3 years. She loves to expose others to the amazing flavors that exist in vegan cuisine. She lives by the moto that “You are what you eat.” Send questions or comments to veganeasterniowa@gmail.com. Visit the VCEI website at https://www.veganeasterniowa.org/ or join the group on Facebook or Meet Up.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Lightly breaded tofu | Vegan Column
