These Oven-Fried Tofu Nuggets are some kind of miracle. Crispy breading, juicy perfectly marinated tofu, and a texture so good you won’t believe it’s tofu. I have to say these are hands down, the best tofu nuggets I’ve ever made!
Who doesn’t love a good nugget? Vegans are no exception. Dipped in barbeque, ketchup, or agave – nuggets are a quintessential kid food that I just can’t kick.
I’ve tried dozens of brands of frozen nuggets, and never really been satisfied. They’re full of processed ingredients and always leave me feeling a little slow after having a few.
Since I can’t quit them, but wanted a healthier alternative, I’ve been on a mission to make the best tofu nuggets imaginable, and I’m really happy to tell you that I think I’ve done it!
How to make Oven-Fried Tofu Nuggets
For this recipe, I use frozen and thawed tofu. When you freeze tofu, tiny ice crystals form in the structure which changes the texture dramatically. Firmer and slightly spongy, frozen tofu is a miracle in mock meats mimicking the interior texture of a nugget perfectly.
The day before you want to make the nuggets, drain a block of tofu and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze overnight and then thaw on the counter in the morning.
When your tofu is thawed, it’s time to make the marinade. Mix all the ingredients together and microwave for about 10 seconds to help the vegan bouillon cube melt.
Using your hands, break the tofu block into bite-sized nuggets. You can cut them if you want, but I really like the extra nooks and crannies tearing imparts to the tofu. More crannies = more crispiness.
Pour the marinade over the tofu and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows.
When you are ready to bake, set your oven to 420 degrees on convect.
In two separate bowls, mix all the dry breading ingredients together, flour, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, and spices. In the other, add the plant-based milk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if used.
Working one piece at a time, move the tofu piece from the marinade to the dry mix making sure to coat well, then place in the milk mixture, and then back into the flour. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat for the remaining tofu pieces.
Brush or spritz the nuggets with a little oil and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes turning once. They should be golden, crispy, and smell amazing. I sure hope you love these as much as my kids do!
Thanks so much!
<3 Sonia
Oven-Fried Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu that has been frozen and thawed
Tofu Marinade
- 1 vegan chicken bouillon cube
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ tablespoon chive or apple cider vinegar
Breading
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Nutritional Yeast
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup plant based milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce Franks or something similar – optional
Instructions
- With your hands, break the tofu into bite-sized nuggets and set them into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl mix all the marinade ingredients together and microwave for 15 seconds to melt the vegan chicken bouillon. Pour the mixture over the tofu and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer if possible.
- Set the oven temperature to 420 degrees on the convect function if available.
- When the oven is to temperature, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In one medium-sized bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, paprika, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mix with a fork until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, add the milk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using.
- Time to dredge – working one piece at a time, move the tofu from the marinade to the flour. Coat, and dip into the milk. Move from the milk back to the flour making sure the nugget is completely coated. Place on the parchment paper. Continue until all the tofu is breaded.
- Brush or spritz each nugget with a little oil. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes turning once. The breading will be crisp, golden, and perfect. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
