TOFU CHICKEN RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut the chicken by slicing diagonally. Then, gather the clumps of chicken together, and chop the pieces into even smaller pieces. Gather, flip the clump of chicken, and repeat.
• Place your newly minced chicken in a bowl, and add cornstarch, oyster sauce, and water. Using your hands and a bit of strength, mix and massage the chicken around until the marinade is fully absorbed. Let the marinade sit for about 5 minutes.
• Pour the water out of the tofu package, and chop the tofu into cubes.
• Mince garlic cloves, chili peppers, and green onion.
• In a bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until you have an even consistency.
• Set your stove to its highest setting, and wait a few minutes for your pan or wok to heat up. Once it's hot enough, add oil, garlic cloves, and chilies. Stir the garlic and chilies around for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Add bean sauce to the wok, stirring it around with the chicken for about 1 minute.
• Add the tofu to the wok, gently stir it around, and cover the wok with a lid. Let it sit for about 3 minutes, when the wok starts to boil.
• Slowly pour the cornstarch mix into the wok, gently stirring the wok around as you go. Be careful not to break the tofu in the process. Next, add sesame oil. Gently stir the wok around to mix the sesame oil in.
• We're done! You're almost ready to eat your delicious creation. If you're plating the dish, the only caveat is to pour the tofu directly into a bowl or plate WITHOUT using a spatula. This helps keep the tofu intact.

Steps:

• Drain the tofu, then wrap in a clean dish towel and place a heavy object, such as a cast iron pan, on top. Press the tofu for 20–30 minutes, until the towel is soaked through.
• Place the pressed tofu back in its container and wrap with reusable wrap. Freeze for at least 6 hours, up to overnight.
• Remove the tofu from the freezer and place in a microwave-safe bowl over a clean dish towel. Defrost in the microwave until completely thawed and the dish towel is soaked through, 10–15 minutes.
• Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and press again for another 20–30 minutes, until the dish towel is soaked through and the tofu is half its original thickness.
• While the tofu is pressing, make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, grapeseed oil, hot sauce, soy milk, and apple cider vinegar.
• Tear the tofu into bite-size pieces that resemble chicken tenders or nuggets. Add the tofu to the marinade and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
• While the tofu is marinating, set up the breading station: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil (only if baking the tofu).
• If deep-frying the tofu, heat the canola oil in a medium pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
• Alternatively, if baking the tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• When the tofu is done marinating, coat the pieces first the flour mixture, then in the soy milk mixture, then again in the flour mixture, again in the soy milk mixture, and finally in the bread crumb mixture.
• If deep-frying the tofu, add the tofu to the hot oil in batches and cook for 90–120 seconds, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• If baking the tofu, line a baking sheet with a nonstick mat or parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray. Add the tofu to the baking sheet and spray the tops with nonstick spray, then bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
• Serve with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
• Enjoy!