Looking for a tasty, healthy dish? Try this Crispy Tofu Katsu! It’s made with soft tofu, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown. Yum!
I love serving it with some tangy sauce and a side of rice. Plus, it’s super easy to make—great for beginners. Give it a go, and your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is perfect for this recipe. It holds its shape and gets crispy outside. If you’re avoiding soy, try seitan or tempeh as alternatives.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs give a great crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the texture will be different. Consider crushing crispy cereal like Cornflakes as a fun alternative!
Flour: All-purpose flour is typical, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Gluten-free options like almond flour or chickpea flour will also work well.
Vegetable Oil: Any vegetable oil is suitable for frying. I prefer canola oil for its high smoke point. For a lighter option, you might try air frying instead!
How Do You Get The Tofu Katsu Extra Crispy?
The key to making crispy tofu katsu lies in the double coating process. This ensures the outer layer is crunchy while keeping the tofu tender inside.
- Press the tofu well to remove moisture—this helps the coating stick and prevents sogginess.
- Dredge the tofu slices in flour first, then dip in a wet mixture (water or milk), and coat with panko last. This layering helps create a nice crunchy crust.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cold, the tofu will absorb oil and get greasy rather than crispy.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. This can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches if needed for the best outcome!
Crispy Tofu Katsu Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 14 oz (400 g) block firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup water or plant-based milk (such as soy or almond)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch depth)
To Serve:
- Cooked white rice
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving
- Mixed greens or salad, for serving
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 tbsp mirin or a teaspoon of sugar (optional for sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crispy Tofu Katsu recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 15 minutes for cooking, so you can have it ready to eat in about 35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tofu:
Start by draining the tofu well. Place it on paper towels and press it gently with another paper towel or a clean dish towel to get rid of any extra moisture. This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Next, slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick rectangular pieces. Set aside.
2. Setting Up Dredging Stations:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, pour in the water or plant-based milk. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs, adding cornstarch if you’re using it for extra crunch.
3. Coating the Tofu:
Now, take each slice of tofu and lightly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the water or milk to moisten it. Finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. This layering helps create that irresistible crispy layer when fried.
4. Heating the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking, which is about 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
5. Frying the Tofu:
Carefully place the breaded tofu slices into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it’s better to fry in batches. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Making the Sauce:
While the tofu is frying, whisk together ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mirin (or sugar) in a small bowl until fully combined. This savory sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy tofu!
7. Serving Your Dish:
To serve, place cooked white rice in regular bowls. Arrange the crispy tofu katsu slices on top. Drizzle the prepared tonkatsu sauce over the tofu. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon slices on the side. Don’t forget to add some mixed greens or salad for extra freshness!
8. Enjoy Your Homemade Crispy Tofu Katsu!
Dig into this delightful meal! Whether you’re a tofu novice or an experienced cook, this dish will impress and satisfy you!
FAQs for Crispy Tofu Katsu
Can I Use Different Types of Tofu?
Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe as they hold their shape when frying. Silken tofu is too soft and won’t give you the desired texture.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Just check that the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.
How Do I Store Leftover Tofu Katsu?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for the best texture.
Can I Air Fry the Tofu Katsu Instead of Frying?
Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the coated tofu slices for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
