Description
Crispy golden “Fish” made from tofu brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your plant-based kitchen. Delicate herb seasonings and perfectly textured “fillets” create a seafood-inspired dish that delights without harming marine life, letting you savor ocean-inspired cuisine with compassion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 450g / 1 lb firm tofu
- 1/4 cup nori seaweed flakes
- 2 tbsp kelp powder
Breading and Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp old bay seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Drain tofu and press between kitchen towels for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firm texture for the vegan fish.
- Crumble tofu into a mixing bowl, incorporating nori seaweed flakes and kelp powder to create a seafood-like flavor profile.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with combined flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and old bay seasoning; another with plant-based milk, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, and garlic powder; the third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Shape tofu mixture into fish-shaped patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Dredge each patty first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the liquid seasoning, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F, ensuring oil is hot enough for crispy frying.
- Carefully place breaded tofu patties into hot oil, frying 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Brush with olive oil for extra shine and flavor.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges or vegan tartar sauce for a complete plant-based seafood experience.
Notes
- Press tofu thoroughly to achieve a meat-like, firm texture that mimics fish’s substantial consistency.
- Crumble nori and kelp provide authentic oceanic flavor without using actual seafood, perfect for plant-based diets.
- Coating technique creates crispy exterior by layering flour, liquid seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
- Oil temperature matters significantly – maintain 350°F for golden, evenly cooked vegan fish that’s not greasy or soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg