๐งก 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.
๐ฅ Why Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Are a Game Changer
Crispy baked tofu nuggets arenโt just a healthy alternative to chickenโtheyโre a full-on upgrade. Hereโs 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 prepโfriendly โ reheats like a dream
- Kid and adult-approved โ finally, a vegan nugget that satisfies
๐ฑ Why Tofu is the Star of This Recipe
Still not sure about tofu? Hereโs why itโs 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 3โ4 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.
๐ช How to Make Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
- Prep the pan โ Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Bouillon soak โ Place tofu cubes in a bowl, crumble the bouillon cube over, cover with boiled water, stir, and let sit. Drain well.
- Season โ Add tamari and rice vinegar; toss. Sprinkle on brown sugar, spices, and toss until coated.
- Coat โ Add starch and oil, then toss again to evenly coat the tofu.
- Bake โ Spread on the tray with space between each piece. Flip halfway through.
- Finish โ Sprinkle with flaky salt (optional) and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
โ 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 wonโt leave you feeling sluggish
Theyโre also baked, not fried โ so you get all the crunch with none of the grease.
๐ง What to Serve with Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
Dip ’em, wrap ’em, bowl ’emโthese 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
๐ง 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 microwaveโit softens the texture.
๐ 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
Yes! Cook at 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) for 15โ18 minutes, shaking halfway.
Super-firm or pressed extra-firm tofu gives the best texture.
Absolutely. Just skip the oil and use a nonstick surface for baking.
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.
Yes! You can use potato starch, arrowroot powder, or even rice flour instead. They all help create that crunchy outer coating.
๐ญ 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. Theyโre simple, satisfying, and bursting with nostalgic flavorโwithout any of the animal products or deep frying.
Perfect as a weeknight dinner, party snack, or meal prep go-to, theyโre endlessly versatile and totally crave-worthy.
Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Whisk or fork
- measuring spoons
- Knife
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 450 g super-firm or pressed extra-firm tofu (cubed)
- 1 vegan โchickenโ or vegetable bouillon cube
- 1 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp light brown sugar
- ยฝ tsp ground coriander
- ยฝ tsp smoked paprika
- ยฝ tsp sweet (regular) paprika
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- ยผ tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp potato or corn starch
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Flaky salt, to finish (optional)
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 10โ12 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.