Tofu Parm with Vodka Sauce is a crispy, golden-fried tofu dish topped with creamy vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella, then broiled to perfection. A vegetarian spin on a comforting Italian classic!
1(14 - 16oz)block of firm or extra firm tofu (pressed and sliced into 4 equal pieces)
½cupcornstarch
⅓cupunsweetened plant milk of choice
½cuppanko or gluten-free panko
¼cupgrated or shredded plant-based Parmesan
1 ½tspItalian seasoning + more to sprinkle on top*
½tspgarlic powder
1tspsalt
½tspblack pepper
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For the Sauce & Topping
2-3cupsvodka sauce, dairy-free (homemade or store bought - about 16-24 ounces)
8ouncesfresh vegan mozzarella, sliced into 8 slices
2tbspgrated or shredded plant-based Parmesan
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Instructions
Prepare the Coatings: Add ½ cup breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup plant milk, and ½ cup cornstarch to three separate bowls or plates. In the breadcrumbs bowl mix in ¼ cup of grated parm. In the cornstarch bowl, mix in 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tsp saltand½ tsp pepper.
Coat the Tofu: Dip sliced tofu in cornstarch, then plant milk, and finally breadcrumbs, coating all sides with an even layer.
Fry the Tofu: Heat enough oil in a pan over medium heat to cover the tofu halfway. Add tofu slices and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping as needed, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Preheat Broiler: Turn your broiler on to high.
Heat the Sauce & Cheese: Pour the vodka sauce into an oven-proof skillet. Place two stacked mozzarella slices together in four different sections on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp Parmesan and a light dusting of Italian seasoning.
Broil Until Bubbly: Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove when the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
Assemble & Serve: Place a tofu slice on each plate. Using a spatula, scoop one of the melted cheese and sauce sections on top of each tofu piece. Spoon extra sauce over the top, if desired.Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Italian SeasoningIf you don’t have Italian Seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing equal parts of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.Breadcrumbs/Cornstarch MeasurementsWhile the recipe calls for ½ cup, you won't use the entire amount. However, it's important to have enough on the plate to fully coat the tofu pieces during dipping. Start with less if preferred.Frying TofuEnsure there's enough oil in the pan to cover the tofu halfway. If not, flip the tofu on all sides to achieve an even golden brown.Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For best results, reheat tofu separately from the sauce to maintain crispiness. Warm the tofu in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes before assembling.
If using a microwave, reheat assembled portions for 1–1.5 minutes, adjusting based on your microwave.