Ingredients
Tofu and Marinade
- 1 Pound tofu
- 1/4 Cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 Tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tsp onion powder
- 1 Tsp paprika
- 1/2 Tsp oregano
Breading and Coating
- 1 Cup non-dairy milk
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 Cup flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 Cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 Tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tsp paprika
- 1/2 Tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 Tbsp oil (for greasing and brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the tofu nuggets.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce (or tamari), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano to create a flavorful marinade.
- Cut Tofu: Cut the tofu into nugget-sized pieces in your preferred shape—using a cookie cutter, strips, squares, or even tearing by hand.
- Marinate Tofu: Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let them marinate for at least 10-30 minutes for best absorption of flavors. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 12 hours, or if short on time, at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare Vegan Buttermilk: In a separate medium bowl, combine the non-dairy milk with the apple cider vinegar and set aside to curdle slightly, creating a vegan buttermilk.
- Mix Breading: In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to form the seasoned breadcrumb coating.
- Coat Tofu Nuggets: Take each tofu piece from the marinade and first dredge it in the flour to create a dry surface. Then dip it into the vegan buttermilk mixture. Finally, press the tofu into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even and firm coating.
- Repeat Coating: Repeat the flour, buttermilk, and breadcrumb coating process with all tofu pieces to prepare all the nuggets for baking.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly grease a baking pan with oil. Place the coated tofu nuggets on the pan, leaving a little space between each piece. Brush the tops with some extra oil for a crispier finish.
- Bake Nuggets: Bake the tofu nuggets in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the nuggets carefully and bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the crispy vegan tofu nuggets hot, paired with your favorite vegan dipping sauces, or enjoy cold in wraps or salads.
Notes
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu to achieve the best texture for nuggets.
- Marinating the tofu for longer enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
- For gluten-free version, ensure to use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Brush oil on top helps to make the nuggets extra crispy during baking.
- These nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning levels to your taste preference, especially the chili flakes for spiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
