5 from 8 votes
Tofu Karaage
With a potato chip crisp shell and umami-packed center, this Tofu Karaage recipe not only looks like Japanese fried chicken it tastes like it as well. Learn how to turn this plant-based protein into a scrumptious vegan-friendly treat.
Prep Time
1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
2
servings
Calories:
296 kcal
Course:
Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisine:
Japanese
Ingredients
- 400 grams tofu 1 block, firm
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Kombucha not the fermented beverage, see headnotes
- 3 grams ginger (½ teaspoon)
- 3 grams garlic (½ teaspoon)
- 45 grams potato starch
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lemon (for serving)
Instructions
- Put the tofu on a wire rack set over a tray and then place a flat-bottomed plate or tray on top of the tofu. Balance some weights on top of the tray to press the tofu. Let this rest for 1 hour.
- For the Karaage marinade, whisk the sake, soy sauce, konbucha, ginger, and garlic together in a bowl and then tear bite-sized pieces of tofu into the marinade. Gently stir this together to ensure the tofu is evenly coated in marinade. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- When the tofu is ready to fry, preheat 1.5 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot with high sides to 340 degrees F (170 C). Line a wire rack with a few layers of paper towels.
- Once the oil is up to temperature, drain the tofu and then roll each piece of tofu in the potato starch to give it an even coating. Dust off any excess starch and set each piece of Karaage into the oil. Flip the tofu periodically to ensure even browning.
- When the tofu is light-brown and crisp (about 5 minutes), transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Then, turn up the heat to 355 F (180 C).
- Add all of the Karaage back in once the oil is up to temperature and fry it until it is golden brown (another 4-5 minutes).
- Transfer the Karaage to the prepared rack and let it drain. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
296kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
31g
(10%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
(29%)
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Sodium
776mg
(32%)
Potassium
344mg
(7%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
12IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
30mg
(33%)
Calcium
285mg
(29%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 776mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 344mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 12IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 285mg | 29% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.