Vegan Famous Bowls (KFC Copycat)
These copycat KFC Famous Bowls are comfort in a bowl! Creamy mashed potatoes are smothered under a layer of roasted corn, melty cheddar cheese, crispy popcorn tofu and rich gravy. Make each of the components for the bowl ahead of time so all you have to do is reheat and enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes:
Mashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds (~700g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- ½ cup extra creamy non-dairy milk, warmed
- ½ cup vegan cheddar shreds
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- ¼ cup diced chives
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
Crispy Tofu:
- 1 16-ounce block super firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon each: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Gravy:
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 ½ cups vegan beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce or Knorr seasoning sauce, optional
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- To make the mashed potatoes, peel and chop the potatoes in 2-inch cubes.
- Add a pinch of salt and cover the potatoes with cold water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork tender.
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Using a potato ricer or masher, mash the potatoes.
- Add 1 cup of the vegan cheddar shreds, non-dairy milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese melts into the potatoes, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, tear the tofu into bite seized chunks and place in a large bowl with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne powder. Toss to combine, ensuring each piece is coated in the seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil. Air fry for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through. Remove and set aside.
- While the tofu is in the air fryer, quicky prepare the gravy.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
- While whisking, slowly pour in the broth.
- Continue to stir until all the liquid has been added and the gravy is smooth with no clumps and has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dark soy sauce until incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
- To assemble the bowls, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes into a bowl. Sprinkle on some cheese, a scoop of corn, and a handful of the crispy popcorn tofu. Drizzle on the warmed gravy and garnish with green onion. ENJOY!
Video
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