Description
Crisp romaine lettuce coated in a garlick-y Caesar dressing topped with fresh croutons and crispy, fried tofu chick'n.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 heads of romaine, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 recipe Vegan Caesar Dressing
- 3-4 tbsp Cashew Parmesan
- 1 recipe Crisp Tofu Chick'n
- 1 recipe Stove Top Croutons
- freshly cracked black peppercorns, to taste
- sea salt, to taste
- lemon wedges
Vegan Caesar Dressing
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp capers + 1 tsp caper brine
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/4 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- sprig parsley, for colour
Cashew Parmesan
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Stove Top Croutons
- 2 cups stale bread cubes
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Crispy Tofu Chick'n
- 1/2 350g block extra-firm tofu
- 1-2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs
- vegetable oil, for pan frying
Instructions
Vegan Caesar Dressing
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Chill in refrigerator.
Cashew Parm
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles dried Parmesan cheese. Do not over process. Store in an air tight container.
Stove Top Croutons
- In a medium-large skillet, melt vegan butter over medium heat and add garlic and onion powder.
- Stir in the bread cubes, coating evenly. Continue cooking (stirring often) until bread is crisp and toasty.
Crispy Tofu Chick'n
- Slice 1/2 of a block of tofu into 4 thin, square slices. Use paper towel or a clean tea towel to press out any excess moisture. The tofu should be nearly dry to the touch.
- In a shallow bowl or plate, cover the tofu with 1 tbsp of soy sauce (coating evenly), and wait a minute or two. Most of the soy sauce should be absorbed, wipe off any excess with paper towel.
- Breading: You'll need 3 shallow bowls or plates in a line. (1) with 1-2 tbsp all-purpose flour, (2) with 1 tbsp corn starch, 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water, mixed well, and (3) 2/3 cup of bread crumbs. Using 1 hand, lightly coat the tofu in flour, dip it quickly in the wet soy sauce/cornstarch mixture, and then dip/coat with bread crumbs (press them firmly onto the tofu.)
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry tofu until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towel.
Assembling salads
- Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing + 1 tbsp cashew parm. Top with extra vegan parm, croutons, sliced tofu chick'n, and a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black peppercorns. Enjoy immediately.