Fusion Recipe: Caesar Salad with Crispy Popcorn Tofu

 

Caesar Salad with Crispy Popcorn Tofu

🥗 Caesar Salad with Crispy Popcorn Tofu and Fermented Tofu Dressing


This Caesar Salad with Crispy Popcorn Tofu offers a bold, plant-based twist on the classic. The traditional anchovy-based umami is brilliantly replaced by the savoury, salty depth of fermented tofu (furu) in a creamy, tangy dressing.1 Paired with crunchy cubes of deep-fried or air-fried popcorn tofu, which boast an irresistible seasoned coating, this salad is satisfying enough to be a main course. The combination of cooling romaine lettuce, the fiery kick of the dressing, and the crisp, savoury tofu creates an exciting and flavourful culinary experience.

Ingredients


For the Crispy Popcorn Tofu


  • 1 block (14 oz / 400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and torn into bite-sized "popcorn" chunks
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)2
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • Neutral oil for frying (or a cooking spray for air frying)


For the Fermented Tofu Caesar Dressing

  • 2 cubes (approx. 2 Tbsp) white fermented tofu (furu), mashed with a fork3
  • 1/4 cup plant-based mayonnaise (or soaked cashews/silken tofu for a lighter version)
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard4
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced5
  • 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavour)6
  • 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce (or substitute with 1 tsp soy sauce + a few dashes of apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil7
  • 1-2 Tbsp water, to thin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste


For the Salad

  • 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped8
  • 1 cup vegan croutons
  • Vegan Parmesan shavings (optional)9

🔪 Instruction & Method


Part 1: Make the Crispy Popcorn Tofu


  1. Marinate Tofu: In a bowl, toss the torn tofu chunks with soy sauce and rice vinegar. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Coat Tofu: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and white pepper. Drain the tofu from the marinade, then toss the pieces into the dry mix until they are completely and evenly coated.
  3. Cook Tofu (Deep Fry/Air Fry):
    • Deep Fry: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Carefully fry the tofu in batches until deep golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
    • Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degree F (200 degree C). Spray the coated tofu lightly with oil and air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
  4. Season: Sprinkle the hot tofu lightly with salt immediately after cooking.


Part 2: Prepare the Fermented Tofu Caesar Dressing


  1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the mashed fermented tofu, plant-based mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil.
  2. Blend: Blend until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired pourable consistency is reached. Taste and adjust with salt and fresh black pepper. The fermented tofu is quite salty, so season the dressing carefully.


Part 3: Assemble the Salad


  1. Toss: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce.10 Add the desired amount of the Fermented Tofu Caesar Dressing and toss gently to coat the leaves.

  2. Serve: Divide the dressed lettuce among plates. Top generously with the Crispy Popcorn Tofu and the croutons. Garnish with vegan Parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper, if using. Serve immediately.


Chef's Tips

  • Tofu Prep is Key: For the best crisp, use extra-firm tofu and press out as much water as possible before marinating.11 Tearing the tofu, instead of cutting, creates more jagged surface area for extra crunch.

  • Fermented Tofu: White fermented tofu, or furu, is a very potent, salty, and savoury ingredient.12 Start with the suggested amount and taste the dressing before adding more. It delivers the essential umami that replaces the traditional anchovy/Parmesan.13

  • Crowd Control: For maximum crunch, toss and serve immediately. The popcorn tofu will start to soften quickly once it hits the dressing.




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