The last several days we’ve been living on sandwiches and cherry cola. A volunteer writing opportunity with a local candidate was brought to my attention, and I’ve been distracted with that. My political experience is next to nada, but I am excited to learn more about campaigning. To get involved on a grassroots level in promoting a person who truly represents the entirety of my county (and not just a select, privileged group) is exactly what I need right now.

However, my first Zoom call with the candidate, campaign manager, and other volunteers complete, along with the realization I needed to reactivate my Facebook account in order to ease group communications and better assist with the campaign’s social media posts, had a few fears and plenty of social anxiety creeping up again, and so I found myself standing over the stove the following day frying up tofu (there was no chicken in the house), as a comforting plate of familiarity always helps reset my disposition, especially if that plate includes something breaded and fried!

Even if you aren’t in need of fried anxiety relief, this tofu recipe is simple enough to add to your weekly meatless meal rotation, and it’s crunchy, tasty goodness will please even your most picky eater! Serve the fried tofu with whatever sides you prefer and feel free to go completely vegan!

If you’re in my area, then please consider supporting Mia Mason for Congress! Click the link to find out more!

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu drained and cut in steak, finger, or nugget size

1 cup-ish AP flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup fine cornmeal

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp mustard powder

1 egg + 2 tbsp cool tap water

1 tsp hot sauce or to taste

1/2 cup-ish peanut oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat a skillet over med high flame.

Meanwhile set up your breading station with three separate containers large enough to easily fit the tofu. In the first container mix together the cornstarch, cornmeal, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined. In the second container whisk together the egg, cool tap water, and hot sauce. In the third container mix together the AP flour, smoked paprika, mustard, onion, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add the peanut oil to the preheated skillet and heat the oil until it begins to shimmer. Next, bread the tofu with the cornstarch, egg, then AP flour and fry the breaded tofu in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 3 – 5 minutes per side. Rest the tofu on paper napkins to drain the excess oil. Serve the fried tofu immediately with your favorite sides.