Teriyaki Tofu Katsu

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra firm tofu (or tokwa)
• Neutral oil for frying
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp + 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup room temp. water (, plus 2-3 tbsp more if needed)
• 1 cup japanese breadcrumbs or panko (plus more as needed)
• Homemade teriyaki sauce
• Steamed rice
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped Scallions
• Togarashi

Instructions

1. 1

   You can watch the video below on how to make tofu katsu!

2. 2

   Drain water from the tofu by wrapping them in paper towels and then placing a heavy flat surface (a board or plate) on top of each. Leave for 15 minutes until water has been absorbed by the towels. You can also opt to use a tofu press.

3. 3

   Slice each tofu into 1/2 inch thick square slabs. You may be able to slice one tofu into 3 slabs, depending on the thickness of your tofu. Season with salt as needed. If you end up with extra tofu, you can always enjoy it as is!

4. 4

   Prepare the dry batter mix. Mix everything together, before pouring the water and mixing all the ingredients until smooth. Add more water if the batter is too thick. It should be a very thick pancake batter consistency.In another plate or tray, add the breadcrumbs.

5. 5

   Place each tofu in the batter then coat into the breadcrumbs. Repeat this step for the rest of the tofu.

6. 6

   Baking and air-frying option below.

7. 7

   Heat the oil in a frying pan. Once hot (you can test this by putting a little bread crumbs), add in the tofu. Fry for around 6-8 minutes over medium heat until golden brown. Take them out of the oil then turn off the heat.

8. 8

   Let cool for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispness then you can opt to slice them diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces.

9. 9

   Enjoy served over rice with teriyaki sauce, togarashi, sesame seeds, and some chopped scallions.

10. 10

    Baking option: Heat your oven to 350F. Place the coated tofu on a lined baking tray (I used parchment paper). Spray or brush some oil on the tofu. Bake them for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Flip halfway through baking. Note that they won't turn as evenly golden brown compared to those that are fried but still very crisp!

11. 11

    Air-Frying option: Note that air-fryer settings may vary. This is using a Cuisinart air fryer/toaster oven combo.

To air-fry the tofu, set the air-fryer at 350F then cook for 10 minutes on each side until lightly brown and crisp.

12. 12

    Do note that when baking/air-frying the tofu will not be as "juicy" as those that are fried with oil.