Southern Fried Tofu with Sweet Potatoes — Meatless Monday

Tofu: not just for vegetarians.
Southern-Fried Tofu
Loading Video...

It's no secret that vegetarians love tofu — after all, it gives a boost of protein to meals that would otherwise be lacking — but, believe it or not, even the meat eaters among us can and should enjoy the benefits of tofu. Yes, it's chock-full of protein, meaning that it will keep you full. But beyond the functionality of it and into flavor, it's a culinary blank canvas, which means that you can pair it with seemingly countless ingredients to complete your meal. When you're shopping for tofu, keep an eye out for the different kinds of available. While silken tofu can be blended into smoothies, the firm and extra-firm kinds can star in soup, or be treated like hunks of meat, as they do in the recipe from Food Network Magazine pictured above.

The tofu in this Southern Fried Tofu with Sweet Potatoes gets the chicken-fried treatment: It's marinated in hot sauce-spiked buttermilk and coated in a double dredge of seasoned flour, just as chicken legs and thighs would be. Since the tofu is extra-firm, it can stand up to the high heat of a deep fry, and after just a few minutes in the oil it develops the crispy, golden-brown crust you crave. Round out the plate with Southern-style sides like tender sweet potato rounds and cool coleslaw for an easy meal in a hurry.

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more meat-free recipes.

Related Links:

Next Up

Skillet Lasagna — Meatless Monday

Prepare Food Network Magazine's lasagna on the stove and serve with Giada's Mixed Green Salad With Sherry Vinaigrette and Rachael's Garlic Bread.

Scrambled Egg Subs — Meatless Monday

Switch up your usual breakfast-for-dinner menu with Food Network Magazine's quick-fix sandwich.

Minestrone with Gnocchi — Meatless Monday

Learn the secret to serving up Food Network Magazine's warming bowl in a hurry.

Ina’s Zucchini Gratin — Meatless Monday

Ina uses zucchini as a seasonal vegetable to replace potato in her gratin. When baked, this dish gets a beautiful golden crust from breadcrumbs and Gruyère cheese.

Roasted Zucchini Flatbread — Meatless Monday

Learn how to make this Roasted Zucchini Flatbread for Meatless Monday.

Fettuccini Alfredo With Zucchini Ribbons — Meatless Monday

Ellie uses low-fat milk to lighten up this decadent dish, but she adds garlic and creamy parmesan cheese to maintain its full flavors and traditional textures.

Skillet Lasagna with Butternut Squash — Meatless Monday

This easy-to-make lasagna from Food Network Magazine comes together in only 35 minutes, all thanks to a few welcome shortcuts.

Whole-Wheat Cherry Tomato Zucchini Pan Pizza — Meatless Monday

Fresh summer produce stars in this cheesy, meatless pan pizza.

Slow-Cooker Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms — Meatless Monday

Yes, it's possible to make lasagna on a hectic weeknight. All you need is a trusty slow cooker to help you.

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes

Bake, boil, steam and microwave sweet potatoes like a pro.