Épingler Indulge in a satisfying vegetarian twist on an Italian-American classic with these Crispy Tofu Chicken Parm Bakes. By combining extra-firm tofu with a savory Asiago cheese crust and topping it with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, you get all the comfort and flavor of the traditional dish in a meat-free format that is sure to impress.
Épingler This recipe transforms humble tofu into a gourmet-style bake. The key is the triple-coating process, which ensures every bite has a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese and smooth sauce.
Ingredients
- Tofu: 2 (14 oz / 400 g) blocks extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced into ½-inch slabs
- Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, ¾ cup (60 g) grated Asiago cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Coating: ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, beaten
- Topping: 2 cups (475 ml) marinara sauce, 1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional), Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- For Serving: Cooked spaghetti or crusty bread (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2
- Press the tofu blocks for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice each block into 4 slabs.
- Step 3
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Asiago, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4
- Coat each tofu slice in flour, dip into the egg, then press into the breadcrumb-Asiago mixture, ensuring all sides are well covered.
- Step 5
- Arrange the coated tofu on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.
- Step 6
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Step 7
- Remove from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each tofu piece. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan (if using).
- Step 8
- Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot, optionally over spaghetti or with bread.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the tofu gets as crispy as possible, do not skip the pressing stage. Removing the moisture allows the breading to adhere better and prevents sogginess. For an even more golden finish, give the breaded slabs a light mist of olive oil spray before they go into the oven.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan alternative, replace the eggs with a plant-based milk and flour slurry and use dairy-free cheese options. If Asiago isn't available, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano work perfectly. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bakes hot over a bed of spaghetti or alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the extra marinara. For a complete dining experience, pair this dish with a light Italian red wine, such as a Chianti.
Épingler
Épingler
With its bubbling cheese and savory crust, this Crispy Tofu Chicken Parm Bake is a testament to how delicious vegetarian cooking can be. It is a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the best of the Italian kitchen to your table.
Questions fréquentes sur la recette
- → Comment bien presser le tofu pour cette préparation ?
Enveloppez les blocs de tofu dans un torchon propre et placez un objet lourd dessus pendant au moins 15 minutes. Cela élimine l'excès d'humidité et permet une meilleure adhérence de la panure.
- → Peut-on préparer ce plat à l'avance ?
Oui, vous pouvez paner les tranches de tofu quelques heures à l'avance et les réfrigérer. Ajoutez simplement 2-3 minutes au temps de cuisson initial si vous les enfournez directement du réfrigérateur.
- → Quels fromages peuvent remplacer l'Asiago ?
Le Parmesan ou le Pecorino Romano fonctionnent parfaitement. Choisissez un fromage à pâte dure avec une saveur prononcée pour obtenir une croûte savoureuse et dorée.
- → Comment obtenir une panure extra-croustillante ?
Assurez-vous de bien presser la panure sur chaque tranche et vaporisez légèrement d'huile d'olive avant la cuisson. Le retournement à mi-cuisson garantit également un croustillant uniforme.
- → Ce plat convient-il pour un régime végétalien ?
Oui, remplacez simplement les fromages par des alternatives végétales et utilisez un mélange de lait végétal et farine à la place des œufs pour la panure.
- → Quel accompagnement recommandez-vous ?
Des spaghetti al dente, une salade verte fraîche ou du pain à l'ail croustillant accompagnent parfaitement ce plat. Un Chianti léger complète idéalement les saveurs italiennes.