Name: Crispy Breaded Tofu Strips with BBQ Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 to 16 ounces of extra firm tofu; ½ cup of cornstarch; ¼ cup of water; 2 Tablespoons of soy sauce; ½ cup of breadcrumbs; 1 Tablespoon of nutritional yeast; Pinch of salt; ¼ cup of vegetable oil; ½ cup of BBQ sauce

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Introduction

These breaded tofu strips are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect snack or addition to any meal. Coated in flavorful breadcrumbs and served with tangy BBQ sauce, they offer a satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional fried snacks.

A white speckled plate holds six golden-brown, crispy fried sticks arranged close together with scattered crumbs around them. Near the center-top of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a smooth, shiny orange dipping sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside it, the handle extending out of the bowl. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

14 to 16 ounces of extra firm tofu
½ cup of cornstarch
¼ cup of water
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
½ cup of breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
Pinch of salt
¼ cup of vegetable oil
½ cup of BBQ sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut the block into finger-sized strips.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, water, and soy sauce until smooth.
Step 3: On a plate, combine the breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and salt, mixing well.
Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Dip each tofu strip into the cornstarch mixture, coating evenly, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to cover all sides.
Step 6: When the oil is hot, place the tofu strips in the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Transfer the cooked tofu strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve hot with BBQ sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu strips in soy sauce and garlic before breading.
Try using panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce.
Oven-bake the breaded tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.

Storage

Store leftover breaded tofu strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white speckled plate with about ten golden-brown crispy fried sticks, arranged in a casual pile mostly laying flat but some slightly overlapping. Next to the sticks, on the upper left side of the plate, is a small pale gray dipping bowl filled with a smooth, shiny orange sauce with a wooden spoon resting inside. The fried sticks have a crunchy texture with small crumbs visible. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm tofu is best for this recipe because it holds its shape during frying. Firm tofu may be softer and could break apart, but pressing it thoroughly can help improve texture.

Is nutritional yeast necessary in the breadcrumb mixture?

Nutritional yeast adds a subtle savory, cheesy flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it without greatly affecting the overall taste.