Vegetarian Karaage

Crispy, flavorful, and completely plant-based, Vegetarian Karaage is a sensational twist on the Japanese classic that swaps chicken for protein-packed firm tofu. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, and garlic, the tofu absorbs rich umami flavors before being coated in potato starch for an impeccably crunchy exterior. Deep-fried to golden perfection, each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or as an appetizer at your next gathering. Serve with vibrant lemon wedges and a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh finishing touch. With its crispy coating and irresistibly bold taste, this dish is a must-try for vegetarians and lovers of Japanese cuisine alike. Ideal for fans of vegan karaage or tofu recipes, this guilt-free comfort food is bound to become your favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sake
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
• 1 cup potato starch
• 500 ml vegetable oil
• 4 pieces lemon wedges
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by draining the tofu to remove excess liquid. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top, such as a cutting board, for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Once drained, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, and garlic to create a marinade.

Step 4

Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes to avoid over-soaking.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 6

While the oil is heating, place the potato starch in a shallow dish.

Step 7

Remove the tofu from the marinade and dredge each cube in the potato starch, ensuring an even coating on all sides.

Step 8

Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil in batches to avoid crowding.

Step 9

Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried tofu to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the vegetarian karaage hot, garnished with green onions if desired, and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1260.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5130.2

Total Fat 461.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 284.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1939.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 232.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 47.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 667.7mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 856.7mg	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: 78.7%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 17.7%