Kushi Katsu (Vegan)

Kushi Katsu is a delightful vegan twist on the traditional Japanese skewered and deep-fried dish, featuring crispy, golden-brown vegetables and tofu. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish makes for a perfect snack or appetizer that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Zucchini - 1 medium (about 150 grams)
• Bell pepper - 1 medium (about 120 grams)
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 100 grams
• Panko breadcrumbs - 100 grams
• All-purpose flour - 50 grams
• Cornstarch - 30 grams
• Water - 100 ml
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - for frying
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Tonkatsu sauce (vegan) - for serving

Steps

1. Press the firm tofu between two plates for about 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. Slice the zucchini and bell pepper into thick strips, and remove the stems from the mushrooms.
3. In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to create a batter.
4. Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
5. Skewer the tofu cubes, zucchini strips, bell pepper strips, and mushrooms onto bamboo skewers, alternating between each ingredient.
6. Dip each skewer into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
7. Carefully place the skewers in the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Remove the skewers and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve hot with tonkatsu sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu.
• Contains a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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