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Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets


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  • Author: Olivia Harper
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 350g extra-firm tofu (frozen, defrosted & squeezed of excess water)
  • 1 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:

  1. Freeze extra-firm tofu for at least 24 hours
  2. Thaw completely (overnight in fridge or few hours on counter)
  3. Press out water by wrapping in towels and placing heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes
  4. Tear into irregular 1-1½ inch chunks
  5. Toss with tamari or soy sauce and let marinate for 10 minutes

Coating Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Toast panko breadcrumbs in dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden
  3. Set up three bowls: cornstarch in first, soy milk mixed with apple cider vinegar in second, seasoned toasted breadcrumbs in third
  4. Coat each piece: dip in cornstarch, then soy milk mixture, then breadcrumbs
  5. Arrange coated nuggets on baking sheet with space between pieces

Baking:

  1. Bake for 15 minutes without opening oven door
  2. 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