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READY IN 3+ days

Mock Chicken

Read Reviews (35)

"This is a great substitute for any recipe which calls for cooked, diced, or chopped chicken meat. Freezing tofu gives it a meat-like texture. The process is very easy, but you'll need to plan 72 hours ahead." — SILVERWOLF

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Original recipe makes 2 cups Change Servings

1 (12 ounce) package firm tofu

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Directions

Leave tofu in original package and place in freezer for 72 hours.
Bring a pot of water to a simmer. Place package of tofu in water and allow to thaw, approximately 10 minutes. When thawed, remove from package, place in a piece of cheesecloth, and squeeze out liquid. Shred, dice, or slice tofu and include in your favorite recipe.

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PREP 15 mins
READY IN 3 days 15 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Mar 24, 2005

Okay, I tried this again twice now with a different brand of tofu- Frieda's - and it was great. Frieda's is packaged in a plastic container though and I didn't feel good about simmering it, so the first time I dumped the frozen tofu in a bowl and microwaved it and it was really good. The second time I used Extra Firm Tofu (same brand) and thawed it in the refrigerator in the original container. The Extra Firm was even better. It drained well and soaked up a lot of the sauce it was cooked in. MUCH better than tofu straight from the package.

—FROGGYOGA

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Dec 05, 2007

While it's a great idea to freeze tofu for at least 24 hours to give it meat-like texture, freezing it in the package, if you get it in those plastic containers, is a BAD idea. The water tends to swell when it freezes, and the package could burst, leading to a big mess. Simmering is also a terrible idea when dealing with plastic. So, if you have a plastic package, which tofu often comes in, remove it from the package, slice it, and freeze it in a freezer bag, then remove and simmer.

—SoCalledVegan

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41 Ratings

Sep 03, 2003

What a great idea! I have used this method several times and it definately helps the tofu hold together. Thanks!!

—GINNYG

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Nov 15, 2007

I recently switched to a full vegan diet and this recipe has really helped increase my possibilities with tofu. Instead of simmering the tofu I just bring the tofu down from the freezer a day before I need it and place it in the refrig to thaw out, you know like I used to do with meat. Works great, Thanks!

—Lisa

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Aug 14, 2006

This definetly gives the tofu a tougher texture. I have a recipe for original style kentucky fried chicken breading recipe I dipped the tofu in. It was incredibly tasty.

—DREANA

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Jul 26, 2006

you are my HERO! This makes it the exact texture of boca/gardenburger/morningstar chiken nuggets or patties, ill never have to pay their outrageous prices again!

—ILOVERIVERS

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Jan 23, 2004

I found it takes a little longer than mentioned to get the tofu to thaw all the way through the center but I now love this technique! I used it with The Honey Mustard Tofu recipe also on this site and it was really good. I've also used this technique, sliced the tofu, dipped it in flour, browned it on both sides, then poured BBQ sauce in the skillet and it was really good. I imagine you could use this technique to make "mock chicken" and use any type of sauce you might normally use on chicken breasts. This opens up a lot of recipe ideas.

—BRIANGEL

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Nov 24, 2003

This recipe certainly does deliver firmness: I forgot mine in the freezer for 6 months and it thawed out with the consistency of a kitchen sponge. I'll try a shorter freeze next time and hopefully it'll turn out more edible.

—THOMASDEKKER

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Nutrition

Calories
124 kcal
6%

Carbohydrates
3.6 g
1%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
7.4 g
11%

Fiber
2 g
8%

Protein
13.4 g
27%

Sodium
12 mg
< 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Mock Chicken

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 124
Calories from Fat: 67

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.4g 11 %
Saturated Fat 1.1g 5 %
Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 12mg < 1 %
Potassium 202mg 6 %
Total Carbohydrates 3.6g 1 %
Dietary Fiber 2g 8 %
Protein 13.4g 27 %
Sugars N/A
Vitamin A 3 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 73 %
Iron 23 %
Thiamin 13 %
Niacin 29 %
Vitamin B6 5 %
Magnesium 18 %
Folate 14 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.