Description
This easy tofu Francese is a delicious vegan twist on the classic Italian-American dish. Crispy tofu cutlets are coated in a chickpea flour batter and simmered in a tangy lemon pan sauce. A flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 block (16 ounces) super firm tofu
- ½ cup chickpea flour
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon water (for chickpea flour batter)
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper (for various stages)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- ½ tablespoon Better than Bouillon (vegetable base)
- ¼ cup water (for sauce)
- 2 to 3 lemons, juiced (about ¼ to ⅓ cup lemon juice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into 8 slices: slice the block horizontally in half, then cut each half into 4 equal rectangles about ½ inch thick.
- In a shallow plate, mix all-purpose flour with a dash of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk chickpea flour with ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon water and a dash of salt and pepper until a smooth batter forms.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Dredge each tofu slice in the all-purpose flour, then dip into the chickpea flour batter. Let excess drip off and place directly in the hot pan.
- Cook tofu for 5–7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Then remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add vegan butter, Better than Bouillon, ¼ cup water, and lemon juice. Stir and cook over medium-low heat for 1–3 minutes.
- Return tofu to the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Flip tofu and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Optional: Add another ¼ cup water to the sauce for extra drizzle. Plate tofu and garnish with salt and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Super firm tofu holds its shape best—press extra-firm tofu if needed.
- Chickpea flour creates an egg-free, high-protein batter alternative.
- Better than Bouillon adds rich umami flavor—use a low-sodium version if preferred.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste depending on how tangy you like your sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 301
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
