Bang Bang Tofu

BANG BANG!! So, everyone RAVES about the Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill, so I crafted a Vegetarian friendly version using super firm tofu!! Trust me, you won't miss the shrimp :-)

Bang Bang Tofu
1 block Super Firm Tofu
1/4 Cornstarch
2 t Salt
1 t Onion Powder
1 t Garlic Powder
1 t Chili Powder
1 t Italian Seasoning
1 Egg
1 C Panko Bread Crumbs
Vegetable Oil for frying
1/2 C Light Mayonaisse
2-3 T Sriracha**
2-3 T Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Lettuce/Arugula/Whatever greens you like

Drain tofu and press between folded up paper towels - like, really press it - I put mine in a flat-bottomed shallow bowl and put a huge pan on top of it with 3 cans of veggies in it. Allow to sit for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, set up your breading station - mix together salt, onion, garlic, and chili powders, italian seasoning and panko bread crumbs in shallow dish. Beat egg in separate bowl. Place cornstarch in another bowl. Mix together mayo, sriracha and sweet thai chili sauce - set aside.

SO now that your tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes and toss it in batches into the cornstarch - coating evenly. Now into the egg, and then into the panko mix. Heat oil in pan (don't let it get too hot or it will incinerate the tofu and you will have a smoky mess). Pan fry tofu in batches in single layer, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on folded paper towels. Repeat until all tofu is fried up. Place all tofu in bowl and top with half of the spicy mayo mix - toss to coat evenly.

If using lettuce, cut into ribbons and place into serving bowl. If using small leafy greens, just pile them in! No chopping necessary. Top with the tofu and serve with remaining spicy mayo on the side for dipping! BANG BANG!!!

**I like mine speeeeeecy spicy, so i go heavy on the Sriracha (more like a 1/4 C) - play with the ratios until you find the heat level you like!