Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat)

Ingredients

• Tofu Prep:

  • 1 package medium firm tofu (16 oz)
  • 2 cups water (or 2 cups vegetable broth)
  • 2 no-chicken bouillon cubes

• Bread Crumbs:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup corn flakes

• Buttermilk Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• For Frying:

  • ~2 quarts vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

1. Freeze and Thaw Tofu:

   • Freeze the tofu package. Thaw and drain completely, pressing between cutting boards and patting dry with a towel.

2. Prepare Tofu:

   • Break tofu into 8-10 pieces and place in a casserole dish. Pour in 2 cups vegan chicken broth (or water mixed with bouillon cubes). Marinate while you set up the breading station.

3. Make Vegan Buttermilk:

   • Mix plant milk with apple cider vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes to curdle.

4. Prepare Breading:

   • In a medium bowl, combine flour and all spices.
   • In another bowl, mix the buttermilk.

5. Bread the Tofu:

   • Set up a breading station: marinated tofu, buttermilk, and seasoned flour.
   • Dredge each piece of tofu in the buttermilk, then coat in the seasoned flour. Place on a plate.
   • Crumble corn flakes and mix with the remaining flour mixture. Dredge each piece in the buttermilk again, then coat with the flour-cornflake mixture.

6. Fry the Tofu:

   • Heat oil in a large, deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
   • Fry tofu pieces in batches until golden brown, about 4-7 minutes per batch. Flip as needed.
   • Drain on paper towels.

7. Serve:

   • Enjoy with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Ensure Tofu is Well-Drained: The drier the tofu, the crispier the coating.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices to your taste preference.
• Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature consistent.
• Test Oil Temperature: Use a small piece of bread to test if the oil is ready; it should brown in about 30 seconds.

Enjoy your crispy tofu bites! They sound like they’d be a hit with anyone, vegan or not.