Method:

Step 1: Press the tofu

• Take the extra firm tofu and place it on a clean, non-fluffy tea towel or paper towel.
• Weight it down with a chopping board and heavy objects such as a cast iron dish or cookbooks.
• Let it sit for 10-20 minutes to press out excess moisture.

Step 2: Marinade the tofu

• Cut the pressed tofu into 4 large pieces.
• Place them in a tray and cover with soy sauce.
• Let it marinate for a few minutes, flipping the tofu occasionally to ensure even absorption.

Step 3: Prepare the crumb coating

• In a bowl, mix together panko crumbs, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and vegetable stock powder.
• Transfer the mixture to a dinner plate.

Step 4: Coat the tofu cutlet in crumb coating

• Drain the chickpeas and reserve the aquafaba.
• Place the cornstarch on a separate dinner plate.
• Have a third dinner plate ready for the crumb mixture.
• Dip each marinated tofu piece in cornstarch on both sides, then in aquafaba to form a sticky layer.
• Coat the tofu in the crumb mixture, pressing down to ensure it sticks well.
• Shake off any excess crumb, then transfer the tofu to a separate plate.

Step 5: Fry the vegan schnitzel

• In a large shallow frying pan, heat up a generous amount of sunflower oil over medium-high heat.
• Check if the oil is hot enough by adding a breadcrumb – if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready!
• Fry the tofu schnitzels until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2 minutes per side.
• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to remove excess oil, then let it cool slightly before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed vegetables for a classic meal.
• Top with passata or marinara sauce and vegan cheese, then broil/grill to make Parmigiana.
• Pile it high on a vegan burger bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a tasty sandwich.
• Serve on top of a bed of rice and with a side of stir-fried veggies for a filling meal.
• Slice and serve on top of a salad for a crunchy and protein-packed option.
• Enjoy as is as a satisfying snack or appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce.
• Whip up a Japanese curry sauce and make Katsu curry.