Vegetarian Crispy Pork Belly
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Vegetarian Crispy Pork Belly, a plant-based twist on the classic dish that delivers all the satisfaction without the meat! This recipe transforms extra firm tofu into golden, crispy bites bursting with umami, thanks to a smoky-sweet marinade of soy sauce, hoisin, maple syrup, and liquid smoke. The magic lies in pan-frying cornstarch-coated tofu slices to achieve that irresistible crunch reminiscent of traditional pork belly. Garnished with vibrant green onions and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, this versatile dish is perfect as a main course or a flavorful topping for rice bowls, salads, or noodle dishes. Quick to prepare and packed with bold, smoky seasoning, this vegetarian recipe is sure to delight vegans and omnivores alike.
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Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 stalks green onions
Directions
Step 1
Start by pressing the extra firm tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a weighted object, such as a heavy skillet, on top for about 15 minutes.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke to create a marinade.
Step 3
After pressing the tofu, slice it into 1/2-inch thick strips, mimicking the appearance of pork belly slices.
Step 4
Place the tofu strips in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even flavoring.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, add cornstarch and coat each marinated tofu slice evenly by lightly dredging them in the cornstarch.
Step 6
Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the tofu slices in the skillet in a single layer, without overcrowding.
Step 7
Pan-fry the tofu slices for about 5 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the tofu and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 8
Finely chop the green onions and sprinkle over the cooked tofu for added freshness and flavor.
Step 9
Before serving, sprinkle the crispy tofu with crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Enjoy your Vegetarian Crispy Pork Belly as a main dish or as a delicious addition to salads, rice bowls, or noodle dishes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (605.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1148.5 |
| Total Fat 75.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 25.8g | |
| Cholesterol 1.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2329.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 60.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 26.0g | |
| Protein 69.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2779.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1354.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories