Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Last Updated on October 9, 2022

These Crispy Tofu Nuggets are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

An easy vegan alternative that is healthy and packed with protein to keep you satisfied for hours.

Try these nuggets for a appetizer, snack, or even as the main course!

Why use tofu for these nuggets?

Well tofu takes on the flavors of what ever it is with, so I decided to marinate the tofu.

Then to add the perfect crunch, I rolled the tofu in a cereal breading.

Continue by baking them to a perfect texture, color and crispiness!

Serve these little poppable bites with a side of your favorite dipping sauce!

What are some of my family’s favorite dipping sauces?

• Mustard
• Mayo
• Maple Syrup
• Thousand Island Dressing – Try my Vegan Thousand Island Dressing.
• Barbecue Sauce – Try this easy recipe, How to make Homemade Barbecue Sauce.
• Aioli – Try my easy homemade aioli’s, like the Sun Dried Tomato Basil Aioli, Vegan Cilantro Lime Aioli, Homemade Lemon Dill Aioli, or one of our favorites the Homemade Sriracha Aioli!

Ingredients needed for these healthy nuggets

• Tofu – An extra firm block tofu has the perfect texture and firmness that will keep its shape while rolling it in the coating.

Marinade

• Liquid Aminos -Liquid aminos add a mild soy sauce taste with a salty flavor.
• Real Maple Syrup – Maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness and brings out the other flavors of the marinade.
• Seasonings – Minced garlic and onion powder.

The Wash/Wet Coating

• Plant Based Milk – I used a unsweetened plain almond milk. Any plant based milk will work for this wet coating.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch will help make a crispier tofu.
• Flour – I used a gluten free flour mixed with the cornstarch. The mixture will make the coating crispier than with just cornstarch or just flour.

The Crisp Coating

• Corn Flakes – I personally like to use corn flakes instead of the panko bread crumb, this gives the nuggets a much crispier texture.
• Rice Crisp – I like to add equal amounts of rice crisp to the corn flakes for this recipe.
• Seasonings – Onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.

How to make Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Open the blocks of the extra firm tofu, drain and wrap into cotton towels.

Press the tofu for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, cube the tofu and place into a medium sized mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together the liquid aminos, maple syrup, onion powder and minced garlic.

Pour the mixture over the tofu and lightly stir until everything is covered.

Marinate the tofu in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

While the tofu is marinating, prepare the wash or wet coating and the crispy coating.

In a shallow bowl, blend together the milk, cornstarch, flour, then set aside.

Next add the cornflakes, rice crisp, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a food processor and blend until a coarse crumb.

Pour into a shallow bowl and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and a drizzle of oil.

Remove the tofu from the marinade and dip into the wash.

Next roll the tofu into the crunch mixture until every side is covered.

Place the tofu onto the parchment paper and continue with the remaining tofu.

Once the baking sheet is full, place into the oven.

After 15 minutes, flip the tofu and return to the oven.

Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Once the tofu has a slight brown color, remove and serve.

Serve the tofu with your favorite dipping sauce.

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