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Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the star ingredient: tofu. This soy-based product comes in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and culinary uses. The most common types of tofu include silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm. Silken tofu is creamy and often used in smoothies or desserts, while soft tofu can be used in soups and stir-fries. For our crispy panko crusted tofu delight, firm or extra-firm tofu is the best choice due to its denser texture, which holds up well during cooking and frying.

Crispy Panko Crusted Tofu

Discover the deliciousness of crispy panko crusted tofu delight, a fantastic plant-based dish that elevates tofu to new heights. This recipe not only enhances the texture of tofu but also embraces its versatile nature, making it perfect for vegans and meat-lovers alike. Packed with essential nutrients, it's easy to prepare and offers a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with various dips or as part of a salad. Try this simple yet flavorful dish and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14-16 oz) firm tofu, drained

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond or soy)

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Press Tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu between two plates, with a weight on top, for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy texture.

    Prepare Incident Ingredients: While the tofu is pressing, set up a dredging station with three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with plant-based milk mixed with soy sauce, and the last with panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

      Slice Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into desired shapes (cubes, slabs, or strips) about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.

        Dredging Process:

          - First: Dip each tofu piece into the flour, coating well and shaking off excess.

            - Second: Submerge the floured tofu into the plant-based milk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.

              - Third: Coat the tofu in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good layer adheres.

                Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C).

                  Fry Tofu: Carefully place the coated tofu pieces in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

                    Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, transfer the crispy tofu onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

                      Serve: Enjoy your crispy panko crusted tofu immediately while hot! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, on top of a salad, or as part of a stir-fry.

                        Prep Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4