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Crispy Tofu Schnitzel (No Pressing or Marinating)

Ready to meet your new favorite dinner? Hint hint: It's tofu schnitzel! As a food scientist (aka professional flavor geek), I've perfected this crispy, golden-brown masterpiece. Even if you’re a tofu skeptic, this vegan schnitzel will have you rethinking how versatile tofu can be!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 294 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German , Austrian

Ingredients

  • 1 16-oz package super firm tofu 450 g
  • ½ cup plant-based milk 120 mL
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce 30 mL
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp each garlic and onion powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • To fry: vegetable oil
  • To serve: flaky salt, fresh lemon juice

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prep Tofu: Cut tofu into thin slabs, then lay them onto paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Pat dry.
  2. Make Batter: Stir together all remaining ingredients (except panko and oil) in a large bowl.
  3. Bread Tofu: Working one at a time, dip each piece of tofu into the batter. Shake off excess, then dip into a bowl containing the panko. Set finished pieces on a plate.If you have extra batter and/or panko at the end, I like to double-bread the tofu for an even thicker coating!
  4. Fry: Add enough oil to a large, thick-bottomed skillet (like a cast iron) to coat the bottom. Heat over medium/high, then add the tofu in batches. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy.Continue working in batches, adding more oil as needed, until all tofu is cooked. Keep the finished tofu schnitzel warm in the oven until ready to serve.
  5. Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and salt, as needed.

Notes

  • Storage: Tofu schnitzel (and schnitzel in general) is best served immediately when it's at its crispiest, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, place cooked schnitzel pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
  • To air fry, spray liberally with oil then cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
  • °F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 294kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 16.5g (6%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 20.1g (31%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 492mg (21%) Potassium 72mg (2%) Fiber 0.8g (3%) Sugar 1.4g (3%) Calcium 56mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 294

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 294kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 16.5g 6%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 20.1g 31%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 492mg 21%
Potassium 72mg 2%
Fiber 0.8g 3%
Sugar 1.4g 3%
Calcium 56mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.