Crispy baked tofu nuggets

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๐Ÿงก Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets: The Best Vegan Comfort Snack

If you’re craving something crispy, satisfying, and plant-based, crispy baked tofu nuggets are your answer. These golden bites are baked (not fried!), loaded with savory umami flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free (use tamari!), or just tofu-curious, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.


๐Ÿ’ฅ Why Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Are a Game Changer

Crispy baked tofu nuggets arenโ€™t just a healthy alternative to chickenโ€”theyโ€™re a full-on upgrade. Hereโ€™s why these plant-powered nuggets belong in your weekly rotation:

  • Baked to golden perfection โ€“ no oil splatter, no guilt
  • Perfect texture โ€“ crunchy outside, tender inside
  • Packed with flavor โ€“ thanks to a bouillon-based marinade
  • Meal prepโ€“friendly โ€“ reheats like a dream
  • Kid and adult-approved โ€“ finally, a vegan nugget that satisfies

๐ŸŒฑ Why Tofu is the Star of This Recipe

Still not sure about tofu? Hereโ€™s why itโ€™s the hero of these crispy baked nuggets:

  • Neutral flavor = flavor sponge โ€“ Tofu absorbs marinades like a champ
  • Versatile texture โ€“ Pressed tofu crisps up perfectly while staying tender inside
  • Affordable and accessible โ€“ One block feeds 3โ€“4 people for under $3
  • Eco-friendly โ€“ Tofu has a lower carbon footprint than meat or dairy

Whether you’re vegan or just trying Meatless Monday, tofu is the perfect clean protein to cook with.


๐Ÿ”ช How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

  1. Prep the pan โ€“ Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
  2. Bouillon soak โ€“ Place tofu cubes in a bowl, crumble the bouillon cube over, cover with boiled water, stir, and let sit. Drain well.
  3. Season โ€“ Add tamari and rice vinegar; toss. Sprinkle on brown sugar, spices, and toss until coated.
  4. Coat โ€“ Add starch and oil, then toss again to evenly coat the tofu.
  5. Bake โ€“ Spread on the tray with space between each piece. Flip halfway through.
  6. Finish โ€“ Sprinkle with flaky salt (optional) and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crispy baked tofu nuggets

โœ… Health Benefits of Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Not only are these crispy baked tofu nuggets delicious, but they also bring some impressive nutritional perks to the plate:

  • High in plant-based protein โ€“ Tofu is a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
  • Low in saturated fat โ€“ Unlike traditional nuggets, these are heart-healthy
  • Calcium and iron-rich โ€“ Especially if you use calcium-set tofu
  • Great for gut health โ€“ Tofu is easy to digest and wonโ€™t leave you feeling sluggish

Theyโ€™re also baked, not fried โ€” so you get all the crunch with none of the grease.


๐Ÿง What to Serve with Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Dip ’em, wrap ’em, bowl ’emโ€”these nuggets are ultra-versatile. Try them with:

  • Classic vegan ranch
  • Homemade BBQ sauce
  • Buffalo dip or chipotle mayo
  • In wraps with lettuce, tomato, and hummus
  • On top of salads or grain bowls for extra protein

๐ŸงŠ How to Store & Reheat Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag
  • Reheat: Best in an oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp

Avoid the microwaveโ€”it softens the texture.


๐Ÿ”„ Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Substitutions & Variations

  • No rice vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • No bouillon cube? Try ยฝ tsp vegan chicken seasoning or miso
  • Want it spicy? Add cayenne or chili flakes
  • Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce

โ“ FAQ: Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Can I air-fry these tofu nuggets?

Yes! Cook at 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) for 15โ€“18 minutes, shaking halfway.

What tofu is best for baking nuggets?

Super-firm or pressed extra-firm tofu gives the best texture.

Can I make these oil-free?

Absolutely. Just skip the oil and use a nonstick surface for baking.

Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?

Tempeh or soy curls are great substitutes if you want to switch things up. Chickpea flour patties can also work with similar seasoning and coating.

Do these tofu nuggets get crispy without cornstarch?

Yes! You can use potato starch, arrowroot powder, or even rice flour instead. They all help create that crunchy outer coating.


๐Ÿ’ญ Final Thoughts on Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Whether you’re new to tofu or a longtime plant-based foodie, these crispy baked tofu nuggets are a must-try. Theyโ€™re simple, satisfying, and bursting with nostalgic flavorโ€”without any of the animal products or deep frying.

Perfect as a weeknight dinner, party snack, or meal prep go-to, theyโ€™re endlessly versatile and totally crave-worthy.

Crispy baked tofu nuggets

Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

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These ultra-crispy baked tofu nuggets are a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Marinated in savory vegan โ€œchickenโ€ flavors, coated in a crispy starch crust, and baked to golden perfection, theyโ€™re perfect for dipping, lunchboxes, or party platters. No deep fryer needed!
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Whisk or fork
  • measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 425 ยฐF / 220 ยฐC. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  • Bouillon soak โ€“ Place tofu cubes in a heat-safe bowl, crumble the bouillon cube over them, cover with freshly boiled water, stir, and let sit 10 mins. Drain well.
  • Season โ€“ Add tamari and rice vinegar; toss. Sprinkle on brown sugar, coriander, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper. Toss until every cube is coated.
  • Coat โ€“ Add starch and oil; toss again so the cubes are lightly covered.
  • Bake โ€“ Spread tofu on the prepared tray, leaving space between pieces. Bake 20 minutes, flip, then bake 10โ€“12 mins more until crispy and golden.
  • Finish โ€“ Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt if desired and enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 496mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 246IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 157kcal
Cost: $4.50
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Keyword: baked tofu nuggets, crispy tofu bites, healthy tofu nuggets, kid-friendly vegan nuggets, vegan chicken nuggets

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