Craving the crispy, golden delight of fried chicken but want to keep it vegetarian? You’re in the right place!
Our Vegetarian Fried Chicken recipe offers all the crunch, flavor, and satisfaction of classic fried chicken, but without any meat. Using plant-based ingredients that soak up spices and frying oil beautifully, this recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy comfort food with a wholesome twist.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to reduce your meat consumption, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and is ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions, plus handy tips, nutrition info, and serving ideas. Ready to make your taste buds dance with this crispy, juicy, and flavorful vegetarian fried chicken?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian fried chicken recipe stands out for its unbeatable texture and savory taste, capturing the essence of traditional fried chicken without the meat. By using chicken-style seitan or seasoned tofu, you get a protein-packed, chewy base that crisps up beautifully in a well-seasoned coating.
It’s:
- Crunchy and golden on the outside
- Juicy and flavorful on the inside
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices and herbs
- Perfect for all diets, including vegetarian and vegan (just use plant-based milk and egg substitutes)
- Great for meal prep — it reheats well and can be enjoyed hot or cold
Plus, it’s a fun way to impress friends and family who think vegetarian food can’t be indulgent or delicious. You might even want to pair it with our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or try our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for a full plant-based feast!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seitan (chicken-style) or extra-firm tofu | 400 grams (about 14 oz) | Press tofu well if using |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup (120 grams) | For dredging |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup (60 grams) | Helps with crispiness |
| Plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat) | 3/4 cup (180 ml) | For batter |
| Vegetable oil | For frying (about 3 cups) | Choose neutral oil like canola or sunflower |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon | Adds smoky sweetness |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Herbal aroma |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) | Adds heat |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Flaxseed meal (optional) | 1 tablespoon | For binding if vegan egg substitute needed |
| Water (for flax egg) | 3 tablespoons | Mix with flaxseed meal |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Wire rack and baking sheet (for draining)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Paper towels
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Food thermometer (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the protein: If using tofu, press it well to remove excess moisture. Cut the seitan or tofu into strips or bite-sized pieces resembling chicken tenders.
- Make the flax egg (if vegan): Combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Prepare the wet batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and the flax egg (or just milk if not using flax). This will help the coating stick perfectly.
- Mix the dry coating: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend all the spices evenly.
- Coat the pieces: Dip each tofu or seitan piece into the wet batter, then dredge thoroughly in the dry flour mixture. For extra crunch, double dredge by repeating the dipping and coating steps.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your frying pan or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a food thermometer to ensure the right temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry the pieces: Carefully place the coated pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and rest: Remove the fried pieces with tongs and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This prevents sogginess and keeps them crisp.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your vegetarian fried chicken fresh and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest coating, make sure your protein is patted dry before battering, and don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.”
Use different proteins: Besides seitan and tofu, jackfruit or oyster mushrooms can be fantastic alternatives that soak up flavors well.
Spice it up: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the flour mix, such as thyme, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for an umami boost.
Oven-bake option: For a healthier twist, bake the coated pieces at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.
Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and cornstarch with arrowroot powder.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 pieces) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the type of protein and oil used, as well as frying method.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian fried chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
It also pairs beautifully with dipping sauces such as vegan ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, or honey mustard (use vegan honey substitutes if preferred).
For a fun twist, try serving it in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo on a toasted bun. Or, incorporate it into a plant-based twist on traditional Southern dishes.
Want to explore more delicious plant-based meals? Check out our Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today or try the Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal for inspired ideas.
Conclusion
Our vegetarian fried chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a beloved classic with a plant-based twist. Not only does it deliver on texture and flavor, but it also provides a nutritious and satisfying alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians, vegans, or simply want to try something new, this recipe will not disappoint.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices, proteins, and cooking methods to make it your own. For more creative vegetarian and vegan recipes, explore our site where you’ll find everything from Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious to decadent desserts like the Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Happy cooking and enjoy your crispy, golden, mouth-watering vegetarian fried chicken!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Fried Chicken
Description: A crispy and flavorful vegetarian alternative to classic fried chicken using cauliflower and a seasoned batter. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Dip cauliflower florets in buttermilk until fully coated.
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and baking powder.
- Dredge the buttermilk-coated cauliflower in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry cauliflower in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Fried Chicken”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A crispy and flavorful vegetarian alternative to classic fried chicken using cauliflower and a seasoned batter. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets”, “1 cup buttermilk”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper”, “1 teaspoon baking powder”, “Vegetable oil for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip cauliflower florets in buttermilk until fully coated.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and baking powder.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dredge the buttermilk-coated cauliflower in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry cauliflower in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}
