Vegan Katsu Chicken

Discover how to create a savory, crispy, and completely plant-based twist on a Japanese favorite with this Vegan Katsu Chicken recipe! Made with extra-firm tofu marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, and aromatic spices like garlic and ginger, this dish delivers authentic katsu vibes without the meat. The tofu is coated in a light batter and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. Drizzle with tangy katsu sauce, and garnish with fresh green onions for an irresistible presentation. Perfect as a comforting entrée or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next dinner menu, this easy vegan recipe is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a crisp salad. Whether you're vegan or simply looking for a delicious plant-based option, this dish will become a quick favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp ginger powder
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup katsu sauce
• 2 tbsp green onions

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Slice the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder to make the marinade.

Step 4

Place the tofu in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Step 5

In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet for frying.

Step 6

Prepare a batter by mixing the all-purpose flour, water, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish until smooth.

Step 7

Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.

Step 8

Remove the tofu from the marinade and dip each piece in the batter to coat completely.

Step 9

Next, press the tofu slices into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.

Step 10

If baking, place the breaded tofu slices on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

If frying, heat 4 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the tofu slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Once cooked, remove the tofu slices and let them rest on a paper towel to remove excess oil, if fried.

Step 13

Serve the Vegan Katsu Chicken with katsu sauce drizzled on top and garnish with chopped green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(881.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1739.0

Total Fat 91.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5339.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 157.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.0g	0%
Total Sugars 50.9g
Protein 80.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2798.1mg	0%
Iron 17.7mg	0%
Potassium 1434.5mg	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: 46.3%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 35.5%