Crispy Tofu Nuggets

These Crispy Tofu Nuggets are the perfect vegan/vegetarian substitute for chicken nuggets. Kids and adults love them, and they’re easy to make!

Last week, I shared my Crispy Tofu Sandwich recipe with you, and today I’m sharing these Crispy Tofu Nuggets! It’s the same concept, but the tofu is cut into little squares that get super crispy in the oven. The kids and husband both love them, and they’re great for dipping.

These Crispy Tofu Nuggets can be served as a meal or an appetizer. I like to dip them in ketchup or honey/maple mustard and eat them as a protein-packed snack.

Why Your Body Will Love These Vegan Nuggets

Tofu is a terrific meat-free protein source; half a cup of firm tofu contains nearly 22 grams. It’s also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, contributing to healthy bones. The isoflavones found in tofu may even prevent bone disease in women. They also reduce the not-so-great form of cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

What You’ll Need To Make These Crispy Tofu Nuggets

• Tofu – You will need to use extra-firm tofu that’s been pressed for at least 15 minutes. I usually don’t bother to press my tofu if I’m making a stir fry, but these tofu nuggets must be super firm with as little water in them as possible.
• Plant-based Milk and Flour—Instead of dipping the tofu into eggs to help the Panko coating stick, I made an easy batter by mixing together flour, almond milk, and spices. It’s nice and thick, perfect for allowing the bread crumbs to stick.
• Breadcrumbs – I like using panko breadcrumbs for this Tofu Nugget recipe because the panko makes them extra crispy. You can also use regular breadcrumbs or crumbled-up crackers if that’s what you have.

How To Mame These Flavor Tofu Nuggets

Tofu is pretty bland when raw. I wanted these crispy tofu nuggets to be super flavorful, so I cooked them in a skillet with some oil, tamari, and spices before I breaded them. This allows the flavors to really get into the tofu, so it’s not just the breading that has the flavor. If you don’t want to use any oil, you can marinate the tofu beforehand, but I like cooking it because it seems to really seal in those flavors.

I also season the batter and bread crumbs, and I feel like seasoning every layer really makes it pop in your mouth!

1. Dice the tofu into bite-size pieces. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add oil and tofu. Cook for about 3 minutes, and then add the tamari, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and garlic powder. Flip the tofu and ensure it’s all coated with the tamari and seasonings. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, and turn the heat off. Let cool for a few minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Whisk together the flour, milk, and remaining garlic and onion powder in a large bowl. Add the tofu to the batter and toss to coat. Next, pour in the panko, paprika, and salt and mix until each piece of tofu is coated with breadcrumbs. Dump the tofu out on a large sheet pan coated with parchment paper or a non-stick mat, making sure no pieces are touching.
3. Bake the tofu until crispy on all sides, flipping once, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Have a question about this recipe? Ask me in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Looking For More Vegan Tofu Recipes?

Crispy Tofu Sandwiches

Vegan Tofu Taco Meat

Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

Vegan Orange Tofu

Coconut Curry with Tofu

Crispy Tofu Nuggets

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3 from 1 review

• Author: She Likes Food
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Crispy Tofu Nuggets are super flavorful and easy to make!  Great for a snack, appetizer or lunch!

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Ingredients

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• 1 (14 oz) package extra firm tofu, pressed
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour, or gluten free
• 1/3 cup plain plant based milk, I used almond
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Dice the tofu into bite size pieces.  Heat a large pan over medium heat and add oil and tofu.  Cook for about 3 minutes and then add in the tamari, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and garlic powder.  Flip tofu and try to make sure it’s all coated with the tamari and seasonings.  Cook for another 2-3 minutes and turn the heat off.  Let cool for a few minutes.
2. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.  In a large bowl whisk together the flour, milk and remaining garlic and onion powder.  Add the tofu to the batter and toss to coat.  Next, pour in the panko, paprika and salt and mix until each piece of tofu is coated with breadcrumbs.  Dump the tofu out on a large sheet pan coated with parchment paper or a non-stick mat and make sure no pieces are touching.
3. Bake tofu until crispy on all sides, flipping once, about 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snack
• Method: Stovetop and oven
• Cuisine: American