Name: Crispy Tofu Cutlets with Onion Gravy
Yield: 8–10 servings; 12 cutlets
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 4 blocks (14–16 ounces each) extra-firm tofu; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1½ cups plain breadcrumbs or panko; ½ cup unsweetened plant milk, plus more if needed; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Oil for brushing or pan-frying; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons vegan butter or oil; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Black pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS

8–10 servings; 12 cutlets

Cutlets

4 blocks (14–16 ounces each) extra-firm tofu
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups plain breadcrumbs or panko
½ cup unsweetened plant milk, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for brushing or pan-frying

Onion gravy

2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons vegan butter or oil
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Black pepper to taste

METHOD

Make it

1
Drain and press the tofu for 15–20 minutes.
2
Cut each block into three thick slabs, producing 12 cutlets.
3
Mix plant milk and soy sauce in one shallow bowl.
4
Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme and pepper in a second bowl.
5
Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
6
Coat each tofu slab in seasoned flour, dip into the milk mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
7
Place on an oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet and brush or spray lightly with oil.
8
Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
9
Onion gravy: Cook sliced onions in vegan butter or oil over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring until soft and browned.
10
Onion gravy: Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
11
Onion gravy: Slowly whisk in vegetable broth until smooth.
12
Onion gravy: Add soy sauce, thyme and garlic powder.
13
Onion gravy: Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.

Cooking notes

Alternatively pan-fry cutlets over medium heat for approximately 3–5 minutes per side.
Keep gravy separate until serving to preserve crispness.

Serving suggestions

Rice, green beans and salad.