Tofu “Chicken” a La King (Low Fat)

I’ll never forget the first time I tried Chicken a La King. It was at my grandmother’s house, and I was immediately captivated by the creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the colorful mix of vegetables. I remember thinking it was the most elegant thing I’d ever eaten! Years later, after adopting a more plant-based diet, I was determined to recreate that comforting classic without sacrificing flavor or texture. This Tofu “Chicken” a La King is the result – a dish that’s both nostalgic and entirely plant-based, proving that classic comfort food can be enjoyed by everyone.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: About 6 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 (454 g) package firm tofu, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 3-4 tablespoons flour or 3-4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¾ cup soymilk (or regular milk if not vegan)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, sauté the tofu, mushrooms, onion, and peas over medium heat for about 7 minutes, or until the tofu is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

2. Add the water and soymilk to the skillet. Crumble the vegetable bouillon cubes directly into the mixture. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of flour (or cornstarch) with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This slurry will act as a thickening agent for the sauce.

4. Gradually pour the flour/cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Be patient and allow the sauce to thicken gradually. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more soymilk or water to thin it out.

6. Season the Tofu “Chicken” a La King with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of each and adjust as needed to your preference.

7. Serve hot over your choice of accompaniments.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Press the Tofu: For the best texture, press the tofu before cubing it. This removes excess water and allows the tofu to brown more effectively during sautéing. Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes.

• Blooming the Spices: If you’re using any dried herbs or spices (such as dried thyme or paprika) in addition to salt and pepper, consider blooming them in a little oil before adding the vegetables. This helps to release their flavor and aroma.

• Deglazing the Pan: After sautéing the tofu and vegetables, there may be some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Deglaze the pan by adding a splash of water or soymilk and scraping up the browned bits with a spatula. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

• Consistency is Key: Adjust the amount of flour or cornstarch depending on your preferred sauce thickness. For a thinner sauce, use less; for a thicker sauce, use more.

• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the sauce. This will give it a slightly cheesy and savory flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serving:

• Serve the Tofu “Chicken” a La King hot over mashed potatoes, toast, rice, pasta, or even polenta.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Tofu “Chicken” a La King in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Tofu “Chicken” a La King in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the Tofu “Chicken” a La King gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or soymilk if needed to thin the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the sauce to become watery.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	174.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	63 g	36%
Total Fat	7 g	10%
Saturated Fat	1.4 g	6%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	66.2 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	15 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	3.4 g	13%
Sugars	3.5 g	14%
Protein	16.1 g	32%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure your bouillon cubes are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: If you’re not vegan but still want to avoid dairy, use almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk in place of soymilk.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery.
• Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, parsley, or chives to enhance the flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use silken tofu in this recipe?
A: No, firm tofu is recommended for this recipe. Silken tofu is too soft and will fall apart during cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Tofu “Chicken” a La King ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: What if my sauce is too thin?
A: If your sauce is too thin, whisk together a little more flour or cornstarch with water and gradually add it to the simmering sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen mushrooms and onions if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.

Q: Can I use regular chicken bouillon instead of vegetable bouillon?
A: While you could use chicken bouillon if you aren’t following a vegan diet, the vegetable bouillon enhances the plant-based nature of this dish and complements the tofu perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Tofu “Chicken” a La King recipe a try! It’s a delicious, comforting, and healthy way to enjoy a classic dish without any animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations, so please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Enjoy!