Vegan Fried Cheese Curds

Satisfy your cravings for crispy, cheesy indulgence with these irresistible Vegan Fried Cheese Curds! Made from firm tofu and coated in a savory blend of nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and panko breadcrumbs, these dairy-free delights are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside with a satisfyingly tender bite on the inside. The recipe features a deliciously seasoned batter with a hint of garlic and onion, while a quick fry in neutral oil ensures every piece is crisped to perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, this plant-based comfort food is perfect for sharing at parties, movie nights, or as an appetizer paired with your favorite dipping sauce, like vegan ranch or marinara. Whether you're hosting vegan friends or seeking a fun twist on a classic, these fried "cheese" curds deliver on flavor and texture! Perfect for vegans, snack lovers, and comfort food enthusiasts alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz Firm tofu
• 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
• 0.5 cup Tapioca starch
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Pepper
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Flour
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 cups Neutral oil for frying

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, ideally for about 15 minutes. Cut the tofu into small 'curd' shapes, roughly 1-inch cubes, and set aside.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to form a smooth batter.

Step 3

In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4

In another shallow dish, place the flour mixed with the cornstarch.

Step 5

Dip each piece of tofu into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 6

Heat the oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

Step 7

Carefully place the coated tofu 'curds' into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

Using a slotted spoon or strainer, remove the fried curds from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch or marinara.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1295.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5462.8

Total Fat 496.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1844.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 246.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.8g	0%
Total Sugars 14.5g
Protein 63.1g	0%

Vitamin D 43.9IU	0%
Calcium 893.5mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 825.9mg	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: 78.3%

Protein: 4.4%

Carbs: 17.2%