Vegan Chicken Tonkatsu

Crispy, golden, and completely plant-based, this Vegan Chicken Tonkatsu is a game-changing twist on a Japanese classic! Made with extra-firm tofu as the star ingredient, this recipe transforms it into a flavorful, protein-packed alternative using a tantalizing marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch. To top it off, a sweet and tangy homemade vegan tonkatsu sauce complements the dish beautifully. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, serve it alongside steamed rice and shredded cabbage for a wholesome, authentic experience. This recipe is proof that comfort food and vegan cuisine go hand in hand!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 100 grams all-purpose flour
• 120 milliliters unsweetened plant-based milk (such as soy or almond)
• 150 grams panko breadcrumbs
• 200 milliliters vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel, place something heavy on top, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2

After pressing, slice the tofu into 4 equal slabs.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Marinate the tofu slices in this mixture for about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Set up your breading station: place flour in one bowl, plant-based milk in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Step 5

Coat each tofu slice first in the flour, then dip into the plant-based milk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is fully covered.

Step 6

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F).

Step 7

Carefully place the breaded tofu slices into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 8

While the tofu is frying, make the tonkatsu sauce by mixing ketchup, vegan Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 9

Serve the vegan chicken tonkatsu hot, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce, alongside steamed rice and shredded cabbage if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1105.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3332.0

Total Fat 230.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 119.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3266.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 240.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 36.7g
Protein 99.5g	0%

Vitamin D 50.7IU	0%
Calcium 2970.9mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 1441.9mg	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: 60.4%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 28.0%