Smothered Vegan Fried Chicken (Tofu)

My Smothered Vegan Fried Chicken Tofu is one of those comfort dishes that is a keeper. It is perfect for bringing that home-cooked flavor to all your special meals! The inspiration to create a vegan version came to me when I saw a photo of a smothered chicken recipe, and right away I wanted to recreate it for the holiday season. I know a lot of my readers who have transitioned to a plant-based diet are missing dishes like this one that they ate and enjoyed all their life.

Originally published November 24th, 2017.

The first time I made it, I served it with my SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS and my MASHED POTATOES without the caramelized onions  The second time I made it, I served it with my MAC AND CHEESE and GREEN BEANS. It was so delicious that I just had to share the recipe!

Smothered Vegan Fried Chicken (Tofu)

To make my Smothered Vegan Fried Chicken Tofu marinate tofu in Bragg’s liquid aminos or soy sauce, then dip it into a vegan ‘buttermilk’ batter, next dip the cubes into seasoned breading and lightly fry or bake tofu until crispy. The final step is to smother tofu with homemade gravy!

What Is Bragg’s Liquid Aminos?

Liquid aminos, like soy sauce or tamari, is made with soybeans. It adds the “umami” or savory flavor profile that is essential to adding depth for many recipes. I also use it in place of some salt, since it not only adds saltiness but also flavor.

Liquid aminos also has the amino acids that are present in soybeans that are necessary for vegans to eat. I love ingredients that improve my food while also adding nutritional benefit.

Unlike many common soy sauces, Bragg’s liquid aminos is gluten-free. I love using it for this reason, I never need to check the label, however if you do not have access to liquid aminos there are specifically gluten free soy sauces you can use instead.

If you are looking for a non soy based alternative, there is aminos made from coconut. It isn’t made from the actual coconut that you may be thinking of, but actually the sap of the coconut tree. It has that same umami flavor, similar to soy sauce, while also being vegan, soy free, and gluten free.

What Are Nutritional Yeast Flakes?

When one mentions yeast, you will usually think of the tan granules used to make bread and other wheat based bread products. However, nutritional yeast flakes are something completely different.

Although all three common yeasts are made from the same species, unlike brewer’s and baker’s, nutritional yeast is not left alive. It doesn’t have the same function as those, and is manufactured specifically to be for food.

Nutritional yeast adds an umami, savory or cheesy flavor, making it one of my favorite seasonings to add an extra “something” to my dishes.

But just like many of my ingredients, it is secretly a powerhouse. Nutritional yeast flakes contain all nine essential amino acids that you must intake, making it what is known as a complete protein. This can be rare, especially for vegans, making it an easy way to make sure you have no deficiencies.

Moreover, it contains vitamin B12, and other B vitamins in fact. Vitamin B12 is most commonly found in eggs, dairy, or meat, meaning that many vegans have a B12 deficiency if they aren’t careful.

Being deficient in vitamin B12 makes you feel sluggish and mentally foggy, which can be quoted as the reasoning for why some people’s vegan journeys fail. Adding nutritional yeast to your diet is extremely easy, as it can be added to most savory dishes quite easily, possibly eliminating the need for expensive supplements.

Vegan Fried Chicken Tofu Recipe

• Extra-Firm Tofu
• Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
• Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Lemon Juice
• Tapioca Starch
• Gluten-Free Flour
• Nutritional Yeast Flakes
• Ground Paprika
• Dried Rosemary
• Ground Ginger
• Dried Thyme
• Organic Cane Sugar
• Sea Salt
• Cayenne Pepper
• Oil for frying

Vegan Gravy Recipe

• Olive Oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell Pepper
• Gluten-Free Flour
• Nutritional Yeast Flakes
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Vegetable Broth
• Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
• Sea Salt

How To Make Smothered Vegan Fried Chicken Tofu?

1. Toss the tofu cubes with Bragg’s liquid aminos and marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Combine almond milk, lemon juice and tapioca starch in a small bowl and set aside. This will become your vegan buttermilk.
3. To prepare the breading, mix gluten-free flour, nutritional yeast flakes, paprika, rosemary, ginger, thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the marinated tofu with vegan buttermilk, then dip into breading and lightly fry the tofu pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried tofu, and set aside while you prepare the gravy.
5. If you prefer to bake your tofu: Preheat the oven to 400℉. Place the seasoned and breaded tofu pieces in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.
6. Adding extra oil to the skillet if needed, cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic on one half of skillet, and gluten-free flour on the other half, for about 2-3 minutes. Add nutritional yeast flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Stir in vegetable broth or water and Bragg’s liquid until a smooth gravy is formed. You might need a whisk if there are lumps. Season with salt to taste.
8. Add the fried tofu to the gravy and stir to coat fully, being careful not to over stir. Remove from heat and serve while warm.

More Vegan Soul Food Recipes:

Gluten-Free Biscuits and Gravy

Southern-Style Coleslaw

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

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