This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Vegan “Chicken” Sandwiches are so simple to make and absolutely delicious! Great for BBQs, get togethers, or even simple weeknight meals.
A couple of years ago when I posted these AMAZING Tofu nuggets, I knew that I wanted to adapt the recipe to make “chicken” sandwiches out of it. It took me 2 years but we’re finally here; and the results are SO GOOD OMG!
I tried this recipe a few different ways. But, in the end, I kept it pretty similar to the original.
Ingredients in this “Chicken” Fried Tofu:
- Extra firm tofu
- Simple marinade for the tofu
- Homemade vegan buttermilk
- Breading: a simple flour and spice mixture
Of course, the full ingredient list is down below in the recipe card!
I tried the tofu a few different ways by brushing the fillets with BBQ sauce and another with hot sauce! Both were so delicious and HIGHLY recommended!
You could also serve the “chicken” on a salad or any other way that you would traditionally enjoy fried chicken (just without the meat!).
For this recipe, I highly recommend freezing your tofu first. I talk a lot about freezing tofu (and how to do it) in this blog post.
Freezing your tofu is as simple as throwing your whole package of tofu in the freezer (no draining or anything) and then letting it thaw in the fridge 24 hours before you want to use it.
This process results in a spongier, kind of meatier texture that is perfect for this “chicken”. I highly recommend giving it a try!
“Chicken” Fried Tofu Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 15- oz block of tofu, pressed*
- Vegetable oil for frying
MARINADE:
- ⅔ cup of veggie broth
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
BUTTERMILK:
- 1 cup of plant based milk
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of golden flaxseed meal
- Optional 2-4 tablespoons of hot sauce
BREADING:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
For serving:
- hamburger buns
- ketchup, mustard, etc
- lettuce, tomato, etc
Instructions
- Drain and press tofu according to these DIRECTIONS. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 4 large pieces (see video for reference).
- In a shallow dish, whisk together marinade ingredients. Add in the tofu and let marinate for 15 minute or even overnight.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ingredients for the buttermilk and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the tofu from the marinade (squeezing very lightly to release excess liquid- a little is totally fine and you don’t need to remove all of it) and add it into the buttermilk mixture (you can do this in stages as desired). Let sit for a few minutes while you make the breading.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat enough oil so that it will come up roughly halfway up your pieces of tofu (about 1/2 an inch of oil).
- In a shallow dish, whisk together all of the breading ingredients. Dip a piece of the buttermilk soaked tofu into the breading, covering on all sides. Dip it back in the buttermilk and then again cover it in the breading.
- Place the breaded tofu directly into the hot oil and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes so that the pieces are a nice golden brown color all around. Once done, place on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil.
- Serve on bread as a sandwich or cut into thin strips and serve on a salad! ENJOY!
I just made this tonight, paired it with mashed potato and roasted broccoli for our meatless monday. My whole family loved it so much!