Vegan Crispy Fried Chicken Strips

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate plant-based comfort food with these Vegan Crispy Fried Chicken Strips! Made with extra-firm tofu for the perfect chewy texture, these golden-brown strips are marinated in a tangy vegan buttermilk and coated in a seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb blend for an irresistibly crispy finish. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast add layers of bold, savory flavor, while a quick fry in hot oil locks in that signature crunch. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, these tofu strips are a satisfying vegan alternative that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is your go-to for crispy, plant-based goodness!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz Extra-firm tofu
• 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging, and place it on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Cover with another towel and place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet, on top. Let it press for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a medium bowl, mix the unsweetened almond milk with apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.

Step 3

Slice the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu block into strips approximately 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long, resembling chicken strips.

Step 4

Marinate the tofu: Place the tofu strips in a shallow dish and pour the vegan buttermilk over them. Allow the tofu to soak for at least 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 5

Prepare the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 6

Set up a breading station: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish.

Step 7

Coat the tofu: Remove each strip from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Dip it back into the buttermilk briefly, then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 8

Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Fry the strips: Carefully place a few tofu strips in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 10

Repeat for remaining strips: Continue frying the tofu strips in batches until all are cooked. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1441.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5437.0

Total Fat 458.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 269.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3267.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 272.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.3g
Protein 103.6g	0%

Vitamin D 87.8IU	0%
Calcium 3219.9mg	0%
Iron 26.2mg	0%
Potassium 1556.3mg	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: 73.3%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 19.3%