Indulge in these Vegan Calamari Tofu Rings, offering a plant-based twist on the classic seafood dish. With crispy panko coating and a hint of seaweed, these tofu rings mimic the texture and flavour of calamari, perfect for satisfying your seafood cravings guilt-free.
When I was vegan, I was always looking for ways to experiment and replicate my favourite non vegan foods. Most people tend to assume that tofu is a boring, bland sponge. And it's true, it is a bland wet sponge which is why it is the most versatile ingredient EVER.
Because it's bland, it has the power to be flavoured in hundreds of ways. It absorbs flavour SO well. And since it's a solid block, it can be cut into any shape you like, which is why it's perfect for this Vegan Calamari Tofu Ring recipe.
If you're looking for more creative ways to use tofu, you'll love this Teriyaki Tofu Fillet recipe, and these Tofu, Ginger and Chive Dumplings.
Why you need to make these Vegan Calamari Tofu Rings
Cruelty-Free Alternative: Experience the satisfaction of indulging in a crispy, golden-brown treat without any harm to marine life. These vegan calamari tofu rings offer a compassionate choice for seafood lovers.
Healthy and Nutritious: Made with protein-packed tofu and wholesome ingredients, this recipe provides a nutritious alternative to traditional deep-fried calamari, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
Creative and Fun: Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the process of transforming simple tofu into delightful rings reminiscent of calamari. This recipe is not only delicious but also fun to make, perfect for a culinary adventure.
Why it's important to choose the right tofu for this recipe
It's a beautiful thing that tofu comes in various forms. Silken tofu, soft tofu, firm tofu and fried tofu are all so delicious in their own unique way. It is however, very important that you choose the correct tofu for this recipe.
You need to use the firmest tofu you can find. Look for labels such as Extra Firm Tofu, High Protein Tofu and Hard Tofu.
If you live in Australia, the brand EverGreen Foods Hard Tofu is by far the best tofu I've ever used. I actually created this recipe for them for an Instagram collaboration. I've been buying a block of this tofu weekly for the past 2 - 3 years. Even though I'm no longer vegan, this tofu is still probably my most purchased grocery.
I'll link it here for you, you can get it from Woolworths.
Ingredients
- Tofu: Provides the base for the tofu rings, offering a firm texture that mimics calamari.
- Plain flour: Used for coating the tofu rings, creating a crispy exterior when fried.
- Cold water: Forms the batter for dipping the tofu rings, ensuring a light and airy coating.
- Panko bread crumbs: Adds a crunchy texture to the tofu rings, enhancing their resemblance to calamari.
- Sunflower oil: Used for deep-frying the tofu rings until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Nori sheets: Pulverised and mixed with panko crumbs to infuse the tofu rings with a subtle hint of seaweed flavour, reminiscent of the ocean.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cut out a circle of your tofu
Cut another smaller ring from your large ring so you end up with two different sized rings
Toss in flour, then the batter and then in the panko crumb
Deep fry until golden and delicious
Hint: I use an egg ring to cut out perfect circles, you can also just use your knife though!
Substitutions
Cornflour: Substitute plain flour with cornflour for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegetable Oil: Use vegetable oil instead of sunflower oil for frying.
Soy Sauce Marinade: Marinate the tofu rings in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor before coating them in flour and panko crumbs.
Storage
Store any leftover tofu rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.
FAQ
While deep-frying achieves the crispiest results, you can bake the tofu rings in a preheated oven at 200°C for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
Nori sheets are typically found in the international or Asian section of grocery stores or in specialty Asian markets. You can also purchase them online.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Vegan Calamari Tofu Rings
Ingredients
- 650 g extra firm tofu I use the Ever Green Hard Tofu
- ½ cup plain flour + extra 2 tbsp
- ¾ cup cold water
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 litre sunflower oil for frying
- 2 nori sheets
Instructions
- First cut rings out of your tofu, the tofu can be any shape you like but rings are fun and look like calamari. I used an egg ring to get one circle and then cut a smaller ring out
- Pulse the nori sheets in a blender or food processor until fine and mix in with the panko crumbs
- Whisk the plain flour and cold water together in one bowl.
- Bring oil to high heat, coat the tofu in the 2 tablespoon of plain flour, dip into the batter, then coat in the panko crumbs
- Deep fry in the oil until golden brown and then place on paper towel
- Serve with vegan mayo or aioli and enjoy!
J
This recipe is AMAZING!!
Sarah
Yay thank you so much!!