Vegan Chicken Karaage

Indulge in the crispy, flavorful bite of Vegan Chicken Karaage, a plant-based twist on the classic Japanese comfort food! This recipe uses firm tofu as a protein-packed alternative, marinated in a bold blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of nori for an irresistible umami depth. Coated in a seasoned cornstarch and flour mixture, each piece is fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, savory tofu. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this vegan karaage comes together in under 40 minutes and pairs beautifully with fresh lemon or parsley for a zesty finishing touch. Whether you're vegan or simply exploring meat-free options, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 nori sheets
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

First, drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, ginger paste, garlic paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a marinade.

Step 3

Crush the nori sheet into small flakes and add to the marinade. This will give a subtle ocean-like flavor that mimics the umami taste of chicken.

Step 4

Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer for more flavor.

Step 5

In another bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 6

Dredge each marinated tofu piece in the flour mixture, ensuring a generous coating that will contribute to the crispy texture.

Step 7

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, the oil is ready.

Step 8

Fry the tofu pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried tofu and drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 10

Serve the vegan chicken karaage immediately, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh parsley, and enjoy as a satisfying appetizer or snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1180.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4924.1

Total Fat 452.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 274.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4382.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.9g	0%
Total Sugars 21.1g
Protein 63.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 694.3mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 1247.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 79.5%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 15.6%