Ingredients
Scale
- 350g extra-firm tofu (frozen, defrosted & squeezed of excess water)
- 1–1½ tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs, toasted
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup soy milk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Tofu Preparation:
- Freeze extra-firm tofu for at least 24 hours
- Thaw completely (overnight in fridge or few hours on counter)
- Press out water by wrapping in towels and placing heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes
- Tear into irregular 1-1½ inch chunks
- Toss with tamari or soy sauce and let marinate for 10 minutes
Coating Process:
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Toast panko breadcrumbs in dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden
- Set up three bowls: cornstarch in first, soy milk mixed with apple cider vinegar in second, seasoned toasted breadcrumbs in third
- Coat each piece: dip in cornstarch, then soy milk mixture, then breadcrumbs
- Arrange coated nuggets on baking sheet with space between pieces
Baking:
- Bake for 15 minutes without opening oven door
- Flip each nugget and bake another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy
Notes
- Must freeze tofu for at least 24 hours before use – this creates better texture
- Press out ALL water possible (20+ minutes) – more water removal = better results
- Tear tofu into chunks rather than cutting for crispier edges
- Toast panko breadcrumbs first for extra flavor and crunch
- Use soy milk specifically (other plant milks won’t work properly)
- Bake at high heat (425°F) – essential for crispy exterior
- Don’t open oven door during first 15 minutes of baking
- Flip nuggets halfway through for even browning
- Leave space between nuggets on baking sheet to prevent steaming
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 nuggets
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg