It’s inevitable that anything that’s good but fried, I will somehow try to bake it. Yeah, it’s healthier but it’s also because I’m kinda lazy and don’t want to clean up a big greasy mess (the real reason).
When I first made Homestyle Vegan Cajun Chicken Fingers, I pretty much followed The Vegan Ronin recipe posted here with a few minor changes. Today, I made a “shake and bake” version. It’s just as tasty, doesn’t have as much of a coating but still came out crispy – the thinner pieces did, the thicker knot part was nice and chewy. I like both versions. Of course, the lazy part of me likes the baked version better.
Baked Vegan Cajun Chicken Fingers
Serves 2 – 4 as part of a meal
1 package fresh soy knots
3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon onion granulates
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Rinse off the soy knots and drain. In a bag, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add the soy knots and shake to coat well, place on an oiled baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, turn over and bake another 12 minutes or until golden and crisp.
You are so right that deep frying is a big pain! And soy knots? I never heard of them! But this looks good.
soy knots?! these i must find – because your cajun yummies look too good not to try out! mmmmmmmmmmmm! i imagine eating these with some mashed potatoes & green beans. that makes me happy!
I’ve never heard of soy knots either, very interesting.
Lisa – Thanks! Fried food is messy to make but good to eat. Baking is a nice compromise.
jessy – You can find soy knots at an Asian grocery store. They’re sold fresh and usually frozen or dried if the store doesn’t have the fresh version. Mashed potatoes and green beans go perfect with them, I’ve actually had that meal!
Erin – I just started cooking soy knots recently myself, up until then I never really heard of them either.