Tofu Breadsticks

Tofu Breadsticks
Makes between 24 to 30 sticks • Total Time: 50 minutes • FODMAP rating: low

This is a great alternative to fish sticks when you use furikake seasoning, which can be found in International aisles and other specialty stores like Trader Joe’s. It’s a traditional Japanese seasoning with seaweed or nori and spices that can give that “fishy” taste without the fish. You can use any kind of breadcrumbs in combination with cornmeal to give it the preferred texture.

Ingredients
2 (14 oz) packages extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
½ cup flour, preferably whole wheat or chickpea flour
¾ cup breadcrumbs, preferably whole grain
2 tablespoons furikake or ground nori*
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup finely ground cornmeal, optional
½ teaspoon paprika, preferably smoked
½ cup plant-based milk, preferably soy
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
cooking spray, optional

Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 375℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or line a plate with paper towel and set aside if pan frying tofu breadsticks.
2.Slice the tofu into 1-inch strips, then lengthwise into 2 strips to create stick shapes
3.Place the flour on a plate or shallow dish.
4.In another shallow dish, whisk together plant-based milk, soy sauce or tamari and lemon juice
5.The third shallow dish combines breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, ground nori or furikake and salt.
6.Dip a tofu finger into the flour, then the soy milk mixture and lastly into the breadcrumbs, repeating for each finger and placing them evenly spaced apart on the baking sheet.
7.If pan frying, heat a small layer of oil (preferably high smoke point like avocado oil) in a large skillet and add the breadsticks, cooking for a few minutes on each side until crispy and golden-brown, letting cool on the paper towel-lined plate.
8.If baking, lightly spray the breadsticks with oil spray if desired and bake for 25 minutes.
9.Flip, then lightly spray with oil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until it is crispy and golden brown.
10.Tofu breadsticks can be frozen for up to 30 days.

*Don’t forget to preload on vegetables before you eat!
*Furikake seasoning comes in different flavors and are not all vegan, be sure to check the ingredients for your preferred variety. If not available, use dried seasoned seaweed sheets (sodium-free) or nori instead