CRISPY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS (VEGAN)

These Breaded Tofu Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and so tasty! It’s an easy vegan nugget recipe, including both fried and baked options. Perfect as an appetizer, or snack.

THESE TOFU NUGGETS ARE

• vegan
• dairy-free
• egg-free
• gluten-free (option)
• crispy
• crunchy
• breaded
• flavorful
• source of plant protein
• fried or baked
• so tasty
• perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CRISPY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS

You need the following ingredients to make these Tofu Nuggets (the exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Firm or extra firm tofu – You need to wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or napkin to press out the liquids before making it into nuggets. This will make the tofu much better in texture.
• Unsweetened almond milk – Use any plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or cashew, but make sure it’s unsweetened.
• All-purpose flour – You can also use wholewheat or spelt flour for this recipe. For a gluten-free version, substitute for gluten-free flour.
• Cornstarch – makes the nuggets crispier.
• Sea salt
• Panko breadcrumbs – for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Nutritional yeast – adds slightly cheesy flavor.
• Spices – I like to make it simple but flavorful. This recipe calls for black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For more heat, add chili flakes.
• Sunflower or canola oil – for frying, or baking, if you choose.

For the Dipping Sauce, you need:

• Vegan mayo – I like to use one by Hellmann’s.
• Ketchup – You can substitute for your favorite vegan BBQ sauce.
• Black pepper

Equipment you need:

• Paper towel – to press the liquid out of the tofu.
• 3 medium-size bowls or deep plates
• Medium size pan – for frying.
• Baking tray – If you choose to bake the nuggets.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN CRISPY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS

You will find the instructions and ingredients list in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Step: Press the liquid out of tofu and make nuggets shapes

Wrap the tofu in a paper towel and gently squeeze out the excess liquids (this will make tofu much better in texture, so don’t skip this step). Then tear or cut the tofu into nugget shapes.

2. Step: Make the coating mixes

Take 3 medium size bowls. To one bowl, add plant-based milk. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and 1 tsp sea salt. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Step: Coat the tofu

Take a chunk of tofu, toss it in the flour mixture first, then dip in plant-based milk, and eventually coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the process with each piece of tofu (you can make few pieces at a time once you get the hang of it).

4. Step: Fry or bake the nuggets

Fried version: Reheat about ¼ cup of sunflower oil in medium size pan over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the tofu nuggets (make some space between each piece) and cook on each side until golden brown. Remove the fried nuggets to a paper napkin to absorb the excess oil. Then, sprinkle the nuggets with little sea salt.

Baked version: Preheat the oven to 400°C (200°C) and lightly grease a baking tray with sunflower oil. Place the nuggets on the tray and spray or brush with little oil. Bake them in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown, flipping them halfway through. The baking time may vary depending on how big your nuggets are. After baking, sprinkle with little sea salt.

5. Step: Make dipping sauce for tofu nuggets

To make the dipping sauce combine vegan mayo, ketchup, and season it with black pepper.

Serve the tofu nuggets with dipping sauce, chopped leek, or on top of a salad.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOFU NUGGETS?

• on their own with dipping sauce
• on top of salad
• with light meal
• add to tacos, tortilla wraps, or sandwiches

CAN YOU STORE TOFU NUGGETS?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days and then reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. However, they may not be as crispy.

CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE TOFU NUGGETS?

Yes, if you make a big batch, you can freeze them for later. Store the nuggets in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To unfreeze them, reheat them in the oven.

IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:

• The Best Tofu Scramble
• Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup
• Homemade Parmesan Cheese (only 4-ingredients)
• Cinnamon French Toast
• Maple Pecan Granola

 

If you try this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment below. Or share your photo on Instagram and tag @plantifulbakery. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 (fried version) / Calories: 283kcal / Total Fat: 15,3g / Saturated Fat: 2,1g / Cholesterol: 0mg / Sodium: 653mg / Total Carbohydrate: 22,8g / Fiber: 3,1g / Sugar: 1,0g / Protein: 16,3g / Calcium: 325mg / Iron: 2,9mg / Potassium: 289mg

*The Nutrition Facts are counted without the dipping sauce.