Try my new budgeting app Cheddar 🧀
Better than YNAB, Mint (RIP), or EveryDollar.
4.5
(34)
Export 26 ingredients for grocery delivery
Step 1
For super firm, simply remove it from the packaging and pat dry. For extra firm, you can press it for at least 30 minutes. Or you can freeze it in the packaging. Then let it thaw, and then press it.
Step 2
Cut the block of tofu so it's square. You can chop the excess into strips and make fish sticks with them. This is good for snacking and testing out the breading!
Step 3
Next slice the tofu into filets about 1/2" thick. I found that super firm gave me 4 filets, and extra firm gives 2-3 filets.
Step 4
Line up some chopsticks along two ends of a tofu filet. Then score the tofu with a knife. The chopsticks will stop you from cutting all the way through. Score the tofu about 1/4" thick. Repeat with the other filets.
Step 5
Make the Fishy Marinade by adding everything to a bowl. Then add the tofu filets to some tupperware and pour the fishy marinade over them. Let that marinade for at least an hour, or overnight.
Step 6
Remove the tofu filets from the marinade and pat dry. Let them hang out on a paper towel lined plate to dry out a little.
Step 7
Heat up some neutral oil to 350 - 375 F in a heavy bottomed pan or dutch oven.
Step 8
While the oil heats up, prepare the dredging station by adding everything for the dry dredge to a wide bowl or rimmed dish. Repeat with the wet dredge and breadcrumbs.
Step 9
Dredge each tofu filet first in the flour, then the wet dredge, and finally the breadcrumbs. If you want a thicker breading, repeat the wet and breadcrumbs again. Either way, make sure you coat thoroughly but let the excess drip or shake off during each stage of breading.
Step 10
Once the filets are breaded and the oil is up to temp, fry each filet. Carefully let them drop away from you into the oil so it doesn't splash on you. Or use a slotted spoon / spider to get them in there.
Step 11
Let them fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and beautiful. Let them rest on a wire rack and add a sprinkle of salt if desired.
Step 12
Toast your buns on a pan until browned. And here's a quick trick to melt the cheese. Once buns are done, squirt a little water into the pan. Add the cheese directly on the water. Let it steam for about 10 seconds. You can move it around with a spatula to keep it from sticking. Then quickly scoop up the cheese with the spatula and place it on your bottom bun.
Step 13
Then just add your Tofu Filet, Tartar sauce, top bun and dig in!