3 servings; MFP
Cut tofu into 3 slices to press; then 4 pieces each.
Don't start frying until most of the pieces are coated or oil/panko bits will burn.
Flour/spices in bag worked good; try panko spices in bag after dipping in egg
Tofu -> flour/spices -> egg -> panko/spices
14 ounces extra firm tofu
20 g flour
1/3 of this - no salt KFC seasoning (in grams) = 0.3 thyme, 0.5 basil, 0.2 oregano, 0.7 celery seed, 2 black pepper, 1.2 mustard powder, 3.5 paprika, 5.2 garlic powder, 1.5 powdered ginger
1 egg/water
rest of seasoning
½ cup Panko Japanese Style Bread Crumbs (blend with seasoning)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Press the tofu to remove excess liquid. Use a tofu press if you have one. If not, place the tofu on a large plate and place another large plate on top of it. Put a stack of books on top to press the tofu in between the plates. Let the tofu sit for at least 20 minutes. Drain the excess liquid.
If baking the tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the parchment with a small amount of olive oil.
Slice the pressed tofu, along a long edge of the block, into ¼-inch slabs.
Pour the soy sauce into a square baking dish. Place the tofu slabs in the dish, and allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the sauce. Flip them over around five minutes.
While the tofu is marinating, prepare the breading mixture. In a shallow bowl or plate with rims, whisk together the panko, cornstarch, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper.
Take a marinated tofu slab and press it into the breading bowl. Flip it over to coat both sides. Transfer the slab to the lined baking sheet (if baking) or a clean plate. Repeat with the rest of the tofu.
BAKING: Place the baking sheet with the breaded tofu on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flip, and continue baking for another 18 to 20 minutes until the tofu is golden brown and crispy.
FRYING: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded tofu slabs to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.