These chicken-fried tofu burgers are the real deal when it comes to satisfying that crispy, savory craving without the meat. Perfect for a chill weeknight dinner or a weekend hangout with friends—simple to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Jump to:
- 💚Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
- 👨🍳How To Make A Chicken fried Tofu Burger
- 🔪How To Make Chicken Fried Tofu Burger In An Air Fryer
- 🔥How To Make A Chicken Fried Tofu Burger In The Oven
- 💡Variations
- 🍽️Serving Suggestions
- ❄️Storage Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- You Might Also Enjoy These Tofu Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- ❄️Storage Instructions
- Comments
I've made recipes for vegan "pulled pork" burgers and crispy TVP burgers, and you guys have loved them. Sometimes a burger is just the thing you need. And, this chicken fried tofu burger definitely ticks all the boxes.
Tofu is marinated in an umami rich marinade, coated in a vegan buttermilk batter and tossed in crispy Southern style breadcrumb mixture. The result? A burger that's not only a flavor explosion but also nails the perfect balance of crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. So, if you're ready for the ultimate plant-based burger experience, grab some buns and let's get frying!
Related Post: Tofu Marinade (15 Ways)
💚Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
💚If you're craving that crispy, golden exterior without the meat, you're going to love this recipe. The tofu goes from humble to heroic, proving that plant-based can be just as satisfying (if not more) than its meaty counterparts.
💚These vegan chicken-fried tofu burgers are a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will happily devour. Read: your kids will love them too!
💚Get creative! Toss it in a burger bun, throw it on a salad, or pair it with your favorite sides. The possibilities are as endless.
👨🍳How To Make A Chicken fried Tofu Burger
- Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) on top. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes.
- After pressing, cut the tofu into four even slabs or large strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- Place the tofu slabs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the tofu is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor (up to 4 hours).
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using), flour, salt, pepper garlic powder and onion powder. This mixture will create a buttermilk-like marinade.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to create the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Remove the marinated tofu slabs from the refrigerator, letting any excess marinade drip off. Dip each slab of tofu into the buttermilk mixture to coat it evenly. Then, coat the tofu in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the tofu to ensure they adhere.
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to around 350°F (175°C).
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Carefully place the coated tofu slabs into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Spread a thin layer of vegan butter or your favorite spread on the cut sides of the buns for added flavor. Place the cut sides of the buns on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once the buns are toasted, spread a layer of vegan mayo, aioli, or your favorite sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of the crispy vegan chicken-fried tofu on the bun. Add lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onion, and any other desired toppings, and top with the other half of the bun.
🔪How To Make Chicken Fried Tofu Burger In An Air Fryer
If you want to make your chicken fried tofu in an air fryer, simply follow the recipe instructions up until step 10. Then follow these instructions:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Place the breaded tofu in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
🔥How To Make A Chicken Fried Tofu Burger In The Oven
If you want to bake your chicken fried tofu in the oven, simply follow the recipe instructions up until step 10. Then follow these instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the breaded tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy.
💡Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Tofu Burger:
- Add some heat by tossing the tofu in buffalo sauce after frying. Top with vegan blue cheese dressing, shredded lettuce, and a few slices of avocado for a spicy, tangy twist.
- Mushroom Swiss Tofu Burger:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms until tender and place them on top of the crispy tofu. Melt vegan Swiss cheese over the mushrooms during the last moments of cooking. Add caramelized onions, arugula, and a dollop of vegan aioli.
- Barbecue Bacon Tofu Burger:
- Brush the tofu with barbecue sauce before coating in breadcrumbs. After frying, assemble the burger with vegan bacon strips, barbecue sauce, lettuce, and tomato. Top with a grilled pineapple ring.
- Mediterranean Tofu Burger:
- Top the tofu with vegan feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Add fresh spinach or arugula for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken fried tofu burger.
- Mexican Street Corn Tofu Burger:
- Mix vegan mayonnaise (try my favorite recipe for the best vegan mayo) with lime juice, chili powder, and minced garlic to create a Mexican street corn sauce. Spread it on the buns, then assemble the burger with the tofu, grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of vegan cotija cheese or nutritional yeast.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Truffle Fries: Try these super tasty garlic truffle fries. They're the perfect classic side to your chicken fried tofu burger.
- Mango Salsa: Mango salsa would make a wonderful topping for this burger. You could also add some sliced avocado.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili-Lime Butter: Grill corn on the cob until charred. Mix vegan butter with chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Brush the chili-lime butter onto the grilled corn.
- Waffle Fries: In a hurry? You can't beat air fryer waffle fries.
❄️Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- If you have leftover unbaked or baked tofu patties, let them cool to room temperature.
- Store the burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer:
- If you want to freeze unbaked tofu patties, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To cook from frozen, preheat the oven as instructed in the recipe and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Reheating:
- To reheat refrigerated burgers, preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- If reheating frozen burgers, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven.
***Keep in mind that the crispiness of the breaded tofu may reduce upon reheating. For optimal crispiness, consider briefly reheating in an air fryer or a hot oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your fried tofu might not be crispy for a few reasons. First, it could be due to excess moisture in the tofu. Pressing it thoroughly before frying helps remove water and achieve a crispier texture. Additionally, ensuring that the oil is hot enough and not overcrowding the pan during frying can contribute to a crispier exterior.
Yes, draining excess water from tofu is crucial for achieving a firmer and crispier texture. Pressing the tofu before cooking removes moisture, allowing it to absorb flavors better and achieve a better consistency in dishes like vegan chicken-fried tofu burgers.
To press tofu for crispiness, start by placing the block of tofu on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Wrap the tofu with the towel and place a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet or cans, on top. Let it press for at least 20-30 minutes, allowing the excess water to drain. Once pressed, cut the tofu into desired shapes and proceed with the cooking or marinating process for your crispy tofu.
You Might Also Enjoy These Tofu Recipes
Easy Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese
Tofu Ground Beef { Vegan Tofu Crumbles}
Air Fryer Panko Crusted Tofu Nuggets
📖 Recipe
Chicken Fried Tofu Burger
Ingredients
For The Chcken Fried Tofu Marinade
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For The Buttermilk & Breading
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk of your choice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For The Breadcrumb Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs ensure they're vegan
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For Assembling The Burger
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons vegan mayo or vegan aioli, tahini, vegan ranch, or any sauce of your choice
- 2 cups lettuce shredded
- 1 tomato cut into 4-6 slices
Instructions
- Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object (like a cast-iron skillet) on top. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes.
- After pressing, cut the tofu into four even slabs or large strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- .Place the tofu slabs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the tofu is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor (up to 4 hours).
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using), flour, salt, pepper garlic powder and onion powder. This mixture will create a buttermilk-like marinade.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to create the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Remove the marinated tofu slabs from the refrigerator, letting any excess marinade drip off. Dip each slab of tofu into the buttermilk mixture to coat it evenly. Then, coat the tofu in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the tofu to ensure they adhere.
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to around 350°F (175°C).
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Carefully place the coated tofu slabs into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Spread a thin layer of vegan butter or your favorite spread on the cut sides of the buns for added flavor. Place the cut sides of the buns on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once the buns are toasted, spread a layer of vegan mayo, aioli, or your favorite sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of the crispy vegan chicken-fried tofu on the bun. Add lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onion, and any other desired toppings, and top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
❄️Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- If you have leftover unbaked or baked tofu patties, let them cool to room temperature.
- Store the burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer:
- If you want to freeze unbaked tofu patties, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To cook from frozen, preheat the oven as instructed in the recipe and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Reheating:
- To reheat refrigerated burgers, preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- If reheating frozen burgers, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven.
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