Mustard-Crusted Tofu Cutlets
In short: Thin tofu slabs brushed with Dijon, pressed into herbed breadcrumbs and pan-fried until golden. A crisp, tangy vegan main for mash or salad. It takes about 37 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 37 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Think of a schnitzel without the meat. Tofu is sliced thin, painted with a sharp mustard and lemon mixture instead of egg, then pressed into breadcrumbs with parsley and thyme. A few minutes in a skillet give you a golden crust over a soft middle. The mustard layer does the work of glue and seasoning at once. Serve the cutlets with mashed potatoes, green beans or a crisp cabbage salad.
Instructions
- Press the tofu slabs between clean towels under a heavy pan for 20 minutes. Pat them dry.
- Whisk the mustard, olive oil, lemon juice and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth. Spread the breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic powder and salt on a plate and mix them.
- Brush the mustard mixture over both sides of each slab. Press each one into the crumbs on both sides so the coating sticks all over, and set them on a tray.
- Heat half of the frying oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add four cutlets and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown.
- Move the cutlets to a rack or paper towels. Wipe out any burnt crumbs, add the rest of the oil and fry the second batch the same way.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Tips
- Keep the heat at medium. Too hot and the crumbs burn before the tofu warms through, too cool and they soak up oil and turn greasy.
- Use a mix of wholegrain and Dijon mustard for a more rustic crust, or swap the thyme for dried sage and a pinch of chili flakes.
Questions and answers
Can I bake the tofu cutlets instead of frying them?
Yes. Place them on an oiled tray, brush the tops with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12 minutes per side. They will be a little less crisp than pan-fried ones.
Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Panko gives a lighter, crunchier crust. Use the same weight but press it on firmly, because the large flakes fall off more easily.
How do I store leftover cutlets?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or an air fryer rather than a microwave, which makes the coating soft.
How long does it take to make Mustard-Crusted Tofu Cutlets?
About 37 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mustard-Crusted Tofu Cutlets?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 21 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
