Easy Crispy Vegan Tofu 'Fish' Sticks: Portuguese Douradinhos

2 weeks ago

Ingredients for Crispy Tofu Douradinhos laid out

Craving the comforting crunch of breaded "fish" sticks but looking for a delicious, plant-based, and even gluten-free friendly alternative? Look no further! This super easy recipe for Crispy Tofu Douradinhos transforms firm tofu into irresistible, golden-brown "fingers" inspired by traditional Portuguese breaded fish (douradinhos). It's a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a modern, compassionate twist.

As one enthusiastic abillion user, Rikesh, commented, "What a tasty looking Portuguese dish Sofia!! The tofu looks super crispy! 😍 🇵🇹 💚" and pbsofia confirmed, "It is indeed super tasty & crispy 😋 ". You'll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve that perfect crispy texture right in your own oven. This recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners, a fun appetizer, or even a healthier snack that the whole family will love.

What Are Tofu Douradinhos?

"Douradinhos" are traditionally small, breaded, and fried fish popular in Portuguese cuisine. This vegan version cleverly uses firm tofu as a flavorful and protein-packed substitute. By marinating the tofu in a savory and tangy blend, then coating it in a crispy "breading" (with a healthier gluten-free option!), and baking until golden, you get a wonderfully satisfying dish that truly delivers on taste and texture. It's a fantastic recipe for anyone seeking plant-based alternatives to classic comfort foods.

Ingredients for Crispy Vegan Douradinhos

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of delicious tofu "fish" sticks:

For the Tofu Fingers:

1 block (approx. 350-400g) firm tofu, pressed and drained
2-3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
2-3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Breading:

1/2 cup ground flaxseed (for a healthier, gluten-free option) OR 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder (as suggested by pbsofia for extra flavor!)

Tofu Douradinhos marinating in a bowl

How to Make Crispy Vegan Tofu Douradinhos

Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy, flavorful tofu:

Prepare the Tofu: Gently press the block of firm tofu to remove excess water. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into "fingers" or rectangular shapes, roughly 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches long.
Marinate: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce (or tamari), water, lemon juice, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Add the tofu fingers to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them rest and absorb the flavors for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Prepare Breading: While the tofu marinates, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, combine the ground flaxseed (or breadcrumbs), salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Mix well.
Bread the Tofu: After marinating, take the wet tofu fingers directly from the marinade and place them into the breading mixture. Roll each piece, ensuring it's completely and evenly covered. Lightly press the coating onto the tofu if needed.
Bake: Arrange the breaded tofu fingers in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, checking halfway through to flip them for even browning. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and desired level of crispiness.
Serve: Remove from the oven when they reach your preferred crispiness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like vegan aioli, sriracha mayo, or extra lemon juice wedges.

Baked Crispy Tofu Douradinhos on a baking sheet

Tips for the Crispiest Tofu Douradinhos

Press Your Tofu Thoroughly: This is arguably the most important step for crispy tofu. Removing excess moisture allows the tofu to absorb the marinade better and become much crispier when baked. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for 30 minutes to an hour.
Don't Skimp on Marinating Time: While 1 hour is good, letting the tofu marinate longer (up to 4 hours or even overnight in the fridge) will infuse it with even more flavor.
Even Coating is Key: Ensure each tofu piece is thoroughly coated with the flaxseed or breadcrumb mixture. This creates the crispy exterior.
Single Layer Baking: Don't overcrowd your baking tray. Arrange the tofu in a single layer to allow air circulation, which promotes even cooking and crisping. If necessary, use two trays.
Air Fryer Option: For an even faster and crispier result, try air frying! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the breaded tofu for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and super crispy.

Variations and Adaptations

This versatile recipe can be easily customized to your taste:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or a few drops of sriracha to the marinade for a fiery twist.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika into the breading mixture.
Herbaceous Touch: Mix dried oregano or parsley into your breading for an aromatic addition.
Nut-Free Option: If you're concerned about sesame seeds, omit them from the marinade. The dish will still be delicious!

Ready to try this amazing recipe? Whip up a batch of these Crispy Tofu Douradinhos and discover your new favorite plant-based meal. Share your crispy creations with the abillion community by posting your review on the abillion app!