Sometimes junk food needs a makeover. If you're looking for a meal or snack that feels so wrong, but is actually right, you're going to love our Creole Tofu Puppies. Whether you've been vegan for a long time, or are looking for ways to make some animal-friendly changes to your diet, this recipe is sure to please. There are a couple steps involved, and the tofu needs to be frozen for at least 24 hours and then thawed in the fridge or under water, but trust us, every step is worth it! This recipe is also gluten-free, but if gluten isn't an issue for you, just substitute all-purpose flour.
For the tofu:
Take 2 1/2 pounds firm tofu and freeze for at least 24 hours. Let thaw in your fridge for 1-2 days or under cold water in your sink for about 2 hours. Remove tofu from fridge and press blocks with plenty of weight, pushing out as much of the moisture as you can. You can use clean absorbent towels, but paper towels seemed to absorb more water. Tear into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
For the Creole Spice Blend:
3 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion flakes
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Seasoned Creole Mix:
1 cup gluten-free flour blend
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 cup cornmeal
3 tablespoons Creole Spice Blend (above)
For the batter:
3/4 cups hot water
1/4 cup vegetable bouillon powder
2 tablespoons tamari
1/4 cup hot sauce
1 1/2 cups Seasoned Creole Mix
1-2 cups safflower oil for frying
In a large bowl whisk together the hot water, bouillon, tamari and hot sauce, until smooth. Add Seasoned Creole Mix and stir until batter is smooth. It should be the consistency of thin pancake batter. Place tofu in the batter and stir to coat. Let tofu rest in batter for 20 minutes. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches 350 degrees. Allow excess batter to drip off tofu and then place in the hot oil. Fry until crispy and just before it reaches a golden brown. Drain fried tofu on paper towels.
