Baked Tofu Nuggets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a deliciously crispy texture using the oven instead of oil. It’s high in protein, vegan-friendly, and can be customized with your favorite spices or dipping sauces. Great for meal prep, kid-friendly, and perfect for sandwiches or salads too.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces

• Olive oil or avocado oil

• Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Onion powder

• Ground black pepper

• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• Bread crumbs or panko (optional for extra crunch)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into nugget-sized pieces.

3. In a bowl, whisk together oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and pepper.

4. Toss the tofu pieces gently in the marinade to coat evenly.

5. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and breadcrumbs if using.

6. Coat each tofu piece in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.

7. Place the coated tofu nuggets on the baking sheet in a single layer.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people as a snack or appetizer. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with baking time of 25-30 minutes.

Variations

• Use different spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or Italian herbs.

• Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko for texture.

• Add nutritional yeast to the coating for a cheesy flavor.

• Serve with various dipping sauces like barbecue, vegan ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.

• For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness or warm in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

How do I press tofu properly?

Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 15-30 minutes to remove excess water.

Can I use soft or silken tofu?

Extra-firm tofu is best for nuggets; soft or silken tofu will not hold shape well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

Can I freeze baked tofu nuggets?

Yes, freeze cooled nuggets in an airtight container for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven.

How do I make the nuggets crispier?

Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder and bake at a high temperature; broiling briefly also helps.

Can I air fry these tofu nuggets?

Yes, air frying at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes works well for crispiness.

What dipping sauces pair well with tofu nuggets?

Try barbecue sauce, vegan ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo alternatives.

Can I make these nuggets spicy?

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for heat.

How long does it take to bake tofu nuggets?

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Can I prepare tofu nuggets ahead of time?

Yes, marinate and coat tofu in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Baked Tofu Nuggets are a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make plant-based snack or meal option. With their crispy exterior and flavorful seasoning, they make a perfect alternative to fried nuggets without the guilt. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more plant-based meals, these nuggets are sure to become a favorite.