Baked crispy tofu nuggets are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. With their crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flavorful interior, these tofu nuggets are perfect for those seeking a plant-based snack or a lighter option for meal prep. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, these nuggets are sure to satisfy your craving for something crispy and delicious.
The key to achieving the perfect texture for baked crispy tofu nuggets is pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. This allows the tofu to crisp up nicely in the oven without becoming soggy. Once pressed, the tofu is cut into bite-sized cubes or strips and coated in a flavorful breading mixture. The breading is made with a combination of panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The result is a crispy coating that adds crunch and flavor with every bite.
To ensure the tofu nuggets bake up perfectly crispy, they’re lightly coated with oil or a vegan butter substitute before being placed on a baking sheet. This gives them that golden-brown crispiness without deep frying, making them a much healthier option than traditional fried nuggets.
These baked crispy tofu nuggets are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a snack with a dipping sauce such as barbecue sauce, ketchup, or a creamy avocado dip. They also work as a protein-packed topping for salads, grain bowls, or wraps. You can even toss them in a spicy sauce or glaze, like buffalo sauce or teriyaki, for added flavor.
Not only are these tofu nuggets delicious, but they’re also a great source of plant-based protein, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. They’re easy to make in advance and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pressed tofu into nugget-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce and olive oil. Add the tofu pieces and gently toss to coat.
- In another bowl, combine cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each tofu piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the coated tofu nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
These are amazing! So crispy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper recipe! 😍
Sounds good, but how can tofu be crispy? Isn’t it supposed to be soft? 🤔
I totally agree! I made these last week and my kids devoured them! 🍽️
I dunno, my nuggets didn’t turn out as crispy as I expected. Maybe I used too much oil? 🤔
My kids loved them! Way better than the frozen ones! Plus, they are super easy to make. 👍